After spending last week in DC and on this Memorial Day I have been able to reflect on those who have given their lives, and those who dedicate their lives, to protecting our freedoms.
These men and woman are strangers whom I have never met, yet they have given their life to protect the values we all share. They are strangers yet because they are fellow Americans, they are also my neighbors, my family and my friends. They believe in the right to be free and for others who will live after them to have that same right.
Everyday I am thankful for being an American and being able to have the right to use my voice to make a difference and use my voice to say what I believe.
In my opinion, the best part of being an American is the First Amendment of our Bill of Rights!
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
There is no stronger statement in government history than this to me. It gives power to the people, it provides freedom to our citizens and allows everyone to have the right to live their life.
This might be the First Amendment but there can be certain social consequences to being a particular religion or speaking up about what you believe or petition the government! There are still things we need to do as Americans to advance this amendment.
I know it can be overwhelming to use your voice at times when others around you don’t agree with what you are saying but we must because, the results of using your voice can be scary, however silencing that voice can produce even scarier results.
Americans have died for us to have that right and we must honor them by using it. We must protect our First Amendment by using our voice and speaking up for things we believe in. That power in my opinion, is the best part of being an American. No matter your economical status, marital status, gender or race, we all have the power and right to use our voice!
This Memorial Day, reflect on the things you want to say, the things you want to accomplish and be reminded that strangers who believe in the power of freedom gave their life so you can have the freedom to say what you what, follow who you want and petition the very same government that set those laws into place over 200 years ago!
Thank you to every man and woman who has served our country. Thank you to every family who has given a child to the cause of protecting our freedom and thank you to everyone who uses their voice to make a difference in our country. I am forever grateful for your courage, sacrifice and American spirit. As always…
Dream BIG,
Ryan
Question: Do you agree with the First Amendment being the best part of being American? If not, what is your favorite Amendment to the US Constitution? (If you like this article and are thankful for those who have served our country, share this with your friends and family by clicking on one of the share buttons below!)
The 13th and 19th Amendments.
Passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and ratified on December 6, 1865, the 13th amendment abolished slavery in the United States and provides that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”.
Passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment guarantees all American women the right to vote.
The founders of the USA saw far beyond their struggle to be independent from Britain. Even in 2014, few countries afford people the chance to pursue Jefferson’s magnificent vision in the Declaration of Independence. As a woman I appreciate our freedoms even more keenly. Memorial Day is really about thanking all those who served for protecting our freedoms.
Hey David,
Thank you for your comment and I agree with you that the 13th and the 19th Amendments are incredible and so thankful we passed those into law! Thank you for your comment and hope you stick around for future articles!
Thank you Marilyn for your perspective and comment! I appreciate you reading the articles and hope you stick around the blog for future ones as well. I agree with you that Memorial Day is really about thanking all those who severe for protecting our freedoms!