Letter: The American Dream - What is it?

• American Flag

FILE PHOTO: Jordyn Aisenbrey, 1, waves a flag as she watches the welcome home ceremony for the Ohio National Guard Battery B, 1-134th FA unit, from Piqua, Ohio, at Piqua High School on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008. The unit arrived home following a one-year overseas deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Aisenbrey was greeting her dad, U.S.Army Spc. Sobert Aisenbrey. The Aisenbreys are from Fort Recovery, Ohio..(AP Photo/Mike Ullery, Piqua Daily Call)

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Editor’s note: This was the winning essay in a recent Elks contest. Other essays from the contest will be published in future editions.

What is the American Dream? Some say it’s having a job, a big house or a fancy car. I have an American Dream!

Love is some thing everyone needs. In America one can choose who they love, in some countries you love is predetermined. Love wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a cold winter night. Spend some time with someone you love.

Joy surrounds us. In some countries you cannot find joy, but in America joy dances in our hearts. Even if you don’t know the person you bump into at the supermarket say hello, it could change their day, put a smile on their face, and give them joy.

Peace is something I long for everyone. America is a safe place for harboring and healing. Americans don’t have to live in war torn lands as many do. Peace is like stars in the night sky. Each star shines brightly for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Let each star shine by forgiving someone today.

Freedom is the free will to make choices. We have religious, political, and personal freedoms. Mustangs are free to choose if they should run with or against the wind, just as we are free to choose. Give thanks for choices we make every day.

My American Dream is that all are treated equally in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Each day choose to love, share joy, express peace, and exercise your freedom of choices.

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