WHAT AMERICA MEANS TO ME
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them that dwell therein…” Yes, how beautiful are the snow-capped mountains which majestically rise out of the ground and ascend high into the clear blue sky; where towering peaks are encircled with a halo of peace and contentment ever reflecting the thought of freedom to the world; and in the valleys below between these mountains inhabitants dwell in peace, harmony, and love with each other. Such is the effect that America so supremely and idealistically sheds to the rest of the world.

Just as the mountains are so firmly founded on great sediments of rock, so was Americanism founded on firm principles of democracy. These principles were so nobly established by men and women who cared not for themselves, but for their country and their posterity. Surely, America would not be as great a nation of the world today if she had been founded on principles of lies, cheating, and other such corruption. The nuclei of America was born from the hearts of men and from the “dictates of their own conscience.”

The men who helped form our Constitution and our Declaration of Independence undoubtedly were not thinking of themselves, but of the future of such a nation. They wanted to see a nation so rich in natural resources and so abundantly blessed as the “land of milk and honey” grow and develop where they could live in peace and enjoy their freedom.
America to me, means just that—a symbol of liberty, freedom, prosperity, and opportunity. Actually one never fully appreciates these blessings until he is away from them. One of the most heart-sick feelings I have ever had was when our ship left New York harbor—how glorious the Statue of Liberty did shine. She seemed like an angel of freedom to those of us who had grown up under her wings. What an empty feeling I had as our ship steamed over the horizon and the shinning lady passed from view into the mist. It seemed as though I had fallen into an abyss never more to return. Oh, for that glorious day when I can again set foot on a land that is “choice above all other lands.”

As a mountain has many rocky ledges and shows signs of erosion and deteriorations, so has America had a tough and hard struggle to survive throughout her short history; yet, she has mastered these experiences and hardships. There have been many times when the dark cloud of war threatened to destroy her, and when civil war seemed to separate her, she arose into a stronger, more unified nation ready to protect he principles from any unwarranted foreign aggression, And now, when that dark cloud appears again, so close and more destructive than ever before, she needs cooperation and unity. She needs strong and courageous men like those who have already given so much. She needs strong men who will fight against tyranny and totalitarianism which has engulfed so many freedom-loving people.

Actually, this story is better illustrated on the beaches of Normandy, Okinawa, North Africa, Korea and a hundred and one other hallowed places, where row after row of crosses can be seen. These crosses stand as a silent monument to the gallant men who though America was so wonderful and meant to much that NO SACRIFICE WAS TOO GREAT, NO MISSION TOO DIFFICULT to preserve the American way of life.. This way of life is exactly what our forefathers wanted and dreamed it would some day be a reality.

Those brave men who died on the battlefields died with the hope of keeping free men free, and releasing from slavery and prison all men regardless of race, creed, or color. They died for our security and the security of future generations.
Surely, my small contribution by serving in the Armed Forces of our country is well worth the time and effort. If I can help keep America free and safe, and a shining example to the rest of the world even if it means giving my life, then my mission will have been well accomplished, and the everlasting hills will continue to reflect the peace and quiet of a free nation. AMERICA MEANS THAT MUCH TO ME!

By NMO

(Submitted by PFC N. M. Oborn, US 56 214 580, Headquarters Detachment, G3 Section, 1st Infantry Division, APO 1, New York, New York on October 1, 1954.)