Proud to Be an American

I think every American should spend a period of time living outside of America. Anywhere is fine, but especially in third world countries where the contrast is stark and poignant. Maybe if every American did that, America would be a better place.

On May 28th, we were invited to the U.S. Embassy in Uganda for a "Town Hall Meeting" as they called it. It was an opportunity to meet the Ambassador, hear him speak, and ask questions. They also served pizza, hot dogs, and chocolate chip cookies. (What's more American than hot dogs?)

When we arrived, we were escorted through security that rivals an airport. Benji's dreams of using their internet were squashed as they confiscated all our possessions before entering.

It was dark, and we were directed to follow a sidewalk around a building to the meeting area. As we rounded the corner, a tall flagpole with a bright light illuminated the beautiful stars and stripes in the darkness. My breath caught in my throat and my steps halted for a moment. "Benji. That's OUR flag!"

Benji squeezed my hand and we kept walking. We sat down amongst a gaggle of Americans, all in Uganda for various reasons, and all different races. (I love that about America. You don't have to be white to be American. America is in your heart.) The ambassador stood up to speak. He was diplomatic and charming and was from the Midwest and sounded like it. He made jokes and small talk and then turned serious.

He said, "I hope you had a moment, when you saw the American flag tonight. I want to wish you a welcome home, because literally, right now, you are on American soil."


The tears came then. Not fifty feet away on the other side of a heavily guarded fence was Uganda, with a beauty all its own, but right there in that moment, I felt totally secure and completely grateful. It is so easy to take our freedom for granted. Maybe the phrases and songs are too common and we forget. But when you come to a country where there is no 911, the police aren't entirely trustworthy, the infrastructure is shoddy, voting is an option but the citizens don't have much confidence in it, you start to realize what freedom has brought to you.

On the way home, we talked to our driver, Ibra, about some of our thoughts and feelings. We asked him if he made a good living as a special hire driver. He said he did pretty well, he always had enough for his needs, but then he said this: "There is no money in Uganda. We just survive, we don't become."


America gives its people the ability to become something. And as my mom pointed out, not just once but over and over again. No, our country and government are not perfect. We have issues and struggles and weaknesses, too. But we can become. We have confidence and hope and pride. Those are things that freedom bought.

This is my second year in a row that I am not in the USA for the 4th of July. I hope to be home for it next year. Amongst your barbecues, pool parties, and fireworks, please really stop and think. It is a privilege and an honor to be an American, and I hope I never take it for granted again.