All of us…

Though this blog is specifically about the United States of America, its truth is likely applicable in many other countries that enjoy diverse populations.

Who made America great? Was America made great just by white Americans? Was America made great just on the backs of black folk? No. and No. America was made great by all of us. Some people like to make their group the center of history. However, that distorts history.

So much was done to make this country successful by by a wide variety of Americans. Here are some short notes.

Mexican American

Many hard working, Spanish speaking people have been in North America from before our country was formed, They fought in the Texas War of Independence, some in the Alamo. Through the history of our wars Mexican Americans have served honorably some earning the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Native Americans

Native American workers have help build our skyscrapers, taking pride in their work on the high steel. The native peoples have contributed art and music. They too have fought for our country, some earning the highest honor for soldiers, the Medal of Honor.

Japanese Americans

During World War Two Japanese Americans were rounded up and put in camps because of the prevailing fear and mistrust. In spite if this thousands of Japanese Americans fought valiantly for our country in Europe. The famous 442nd Regimental Combat Team is the greatest example. It was the most decorated unit of its size. In less than two years of combat the unit earned more than 18,000 awards, including 9486 purple hearts, 4000 bronze stars, and 21 Medals of Honor.

African American

First involuntarily, the voluntarily, African Americans have contributed to the greatness of America. If you need proof google African American inventors. It may be an incredible eye opener. Great black Americans, if listed would make this blog post crazy long. Like the groups mentioned before African Americans have served honorably in our wars, they too earning awards including the medal of honor.

All of us…so many more…

The Irish and the Chinese came here and were instrumental in building the transcontinental railroad. The Congressional Medal of Honor recipients included many hews and ethnic groups. Our inventors, our scholars, our artists and business people too were of great variety. I have mentioned just a few groups not to honor them exclusively but as examples of the many varieties of people that have contributed.

Americans have generally been hard working, seekers of freedom and believers in a more positive future. How else could people of groups only experiencing a small part of the American dream be willing to contribute, to put their lives on the line? As Dr King knew, the dream is not totally fulfilled but we are continually going that way.

The appreciation of the past is important but we must embrace today and face the future. No doubt America has been great. It is our job to decide what it means for America to continue to strive for greatness, to fulfill its promise.

We cannot look solely to the government or political parties, certainly not relying on the elite. if it is to be done it must be done by us…ALL OF US.