Proud to be an American

Kentucky Living readers share their reflections on America 250

Last July, we asked readers of Kentucky Living to share their responses to the question, “What makes you proud to be an American?”

Many submissions focused on stories of selflessness, from military service members to community volunteers. Others shared about the ideals of liberty and equality that have guided our nation since 1776. Others voiced the pride they feel in their local communities, friends and neighbors.

This year, as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we are honored to share a selection of readers’ thoughts. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

A WWII soldier

This is my favorite photo of my Dad, Wayne Dixon, pictured on the left. He stands beside his best friend, Ivan Robison, when they were ready to be shipped off to Europe (World War II). Notice their joined hands. Sadly, Ivan was killed and buried in France. My dad made it home, wounded, with a Purple Heart. I honor all those who so bravely defend our freedom, both in the past and now. I am so grateful for your service to this great country, the United States of America.

Patricia Bunch, Glens Fork
Consumer-member of Taylor County RECC

Old Glory

As I come from a family of veterans, I think what I love most, and what brings a tear to my eye as my heart swells with pride, is when I see our American flag flying so proudly and to think of all that flag has stood for and all that it has seen. From the battlefields to the covering of our veterans’ coffins, Old Glory has seen it all and proudly announced we are free. … I love to hear the song, The Star-Spangled Banner, at the beginning of a soccer game, when my young son takes the field to play. Seeing him respect the red, white and blue makes my heart swell. He is proud of his ancestors for fighting for our freedom, and he takes pride in placing the flag on the graves of those buried at Camp Nelson each Memorial Day, and a wreath on those graves at Christmas. Let’s all take pride in what our flag stands for and what she has seen to keep us free.

— Donna Elkins, Nicholasville
Consumer-member of Blue Grass Energy

American innovation and integrity

I am so very proud of the Artemis II crew (Reid Wiseman, Christina Hammock Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen). The crew’s successful mission, which saw them travel farther from Earth than any human in history, was celebrated as a display of immense expertise and a true blessing for American leadership in space exploration. They are an excellent group of people that represent the best and the brightest of humanity. NASA didn’t just select for brilliance; they selected for character—an important distinction. The crew named their spaceship Integrity, and they lived that on camera for 10 days. The way this crew conducted themselves with their language in every instance, under every kind of pressure, was extraordinary. They showed leadership, vulnerability, generosity and care for others as their modality. Returning to the moon is crucial to establishing a long-term human presence in deep space. Testing technologies and developing sustainable exploration, as well as strengthening international cooperation represents a huge milestone for humanity and they have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible for a new generation.

—Glenda York, Russell
Consumer-member of South Kentucky RECC

Immigrant pride

My great-grandfather, Albert Joseph DeGregorio, was born on the ship coming over from Italy in 1896. When I was a young girl, he always said that we needed to be grateful for living in America and to be like Americans. He developed paint formulas and started DeGregory Paint in California. Our family name was actually DeGregorio, but it was changed to be more American. America gave my great-grandfather the opportunity to succeed and to build a legacy for his family to live in a country that has freedom for its citizens. As a family, we have never taken our freedoms for granted and many of our family members served in the armed forces. I am grateful for the legacy my great-grandfather gave to me.

— Heather Harbour, Burlington
Consumer-member of Owen Electric

Children’s pledge

My heart fills with pride as an American when I see preschool and grade school children lead the pledge for the school with strong and proud voices. I feel the same pride when I see schools’ students and teachers gather together around the flagpole to have student-led  prayers for
their schools.

— Judy Greene

American spirit in the classroom

Every day, as a teacher of young children, my heart is filled with pride because I see the spirit of America shining through my students. I see perseverance, I see courage, I see determination. I see students that take risks in the classroom and who refuse to give up even when something feels difficult.

When I witness these qualities, I can’t help but think of the Pilgrims, bravely stepping into the unknown, determined to build a better future. I think of the courageous soldiers that fought tirelessly for our nation’s independence and who never gave up even in the face of adversity. They demonstrate the very values that helped to make our country strong.

Every year, we build more than a classroom; we build a community of learners, a family who encourages others to grow at their own pace and support them along the way. They discover that hard work and resilience equals success. These children may face challenges, but they keep pushing forward, they keep believing and they keep trying.

That is the true promise of America. A place where hope, determination and opportunity can lead every child toward success. Our children are the future of America, and it is our honor and responsibility to protect them, believe in them and give them every opportunity in and out of the classroom to reach their American dream.

— Mary Tom Emanuel, Richmond

A tradition of service

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, one of the things that makes me proud to be an American and live in the greatest country in the world is our outstanding United States military. I served in the U.S. Navy (which celebrated its 250-year anniversary last year). After the Navy, I worked for the U.S. Army (which also celebrated its 250-year anniversary last year) as a civilian. I have two sons who are full-time, active-duty National Guard soldiers now, which makes me even more proud. They’ve both been deployed all over the world doing their part to keep us free. So many have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and so many more are willing to do that as well. How could our hearts not swell with pride for our exceptional military! I was privileged to pin/promote my youngest son Michael, with his older brother Allen, shown looking on at my left, whom I was also able to pin earlier this year as sergeant major.

—George Gootee, Bowling Green
Consumer-member of Warren RECC

Patriotism lived daily

Being an American means honoring the freedoms we’ve been given while continuing the work to preserve them.

This photo of the Clay County Republican Women’s Club represents generations of women who believe in service, leadership, and love of country.

What fills my heart with pride is knowing that in small towns like ours, patriotism is lived out daily—through volunteerism, faith and standing firm in our values.

As we celebrate 250 years of independence, I’m grateful to be part of a community that doesn’t just remember history—we carry it forward.

— Shelia Messer

Seeing America firsthand

I love visiting and experiencing the various places in the USA. Several times a year for the last several years I have had the opportunity to travel and see in-person the USA. As a veteran, it is so nice to see why I volunteered to enlist in the military and honorably serve this country. We have so much to be thankful for, we as a nation. We are not perfect, but we sure have a lot to work for and defend in this great nation, the United States of America. Thank you, God.

— Lorraine Vincent

Pride in American diversity

We have so many different nations and cultures to lean on and draw the best of the knowledge from those who walked before us. What would America be without the contribution of First Nations? Or the British, French, German, Irish, Italian, Polish at the first wave of immigrants? What would America be without the next wave of African contribution? Another wave of Asians? No other nation is so complex and successful because of it. Cherish the gifts from people that walked before us, learn from their experiences and gift it forward.

—Michaela Howard, Rineyville
Consumer-member of Nolin RECC

Generations in uniform

My dad was in the Air Force. I was always proud of the planes that flew over. My daughter chose to go in the Air Force. She rose to the rank of master sergeant before she retired. I’ve always been proud of both of their service.

— Evone Bradley

Grateful for opportunity

Following my own education in Lawrence County—and later at Berea College, Morehead State and Regent University—my career in education continues to be a blessing, with fulfilling, honorable work afforded me for now almost five decades. My wife, Denise, and I (and our two daughters) have traveled near and far, and have benefited abundantly from being raised in this country. Denise also has multiple degrees and has served tirelessly in her calling into ministry for most of her career. We pray for our grandchildren that they will experience what we have experienced here in this rich, diverse, anointed culture called America. How green has been our valley.

— Joseph ‘Rocky’ Wallace, Midway

Sacrifice and love of country

My dad and my father-in-law were WWII veterans, and my husband served in the Air Force. I appreciate the sacrifice and love of country. I love living in the USA and never take our freedom for granted. I hate to see all the foolish protests over all the silliness when people died to give them this freedom. I thank God for our forefathers and what they stood for.

— Cleta Gross

The majesty of Rushmore

When I was in the Air Force stationed in North Dakota, we were close and had the opportunity to travel to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. When you see, for the first time, the size and majesty of seeing our past Presidents, Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, Jefferson and Lincoln, it’s something you cannot comprehend until you see it in person. If you are not a proud American when you get there, you are after you leave! A true patriotic sight you never forget!

— Curtis Phillips

Never take our country for granted

I am an American. There is no statement that better expresses the pride I feel to live in the greatest country on Earth. I have known freedom in every form, experienced true opportunity and seen the many blessings bestowed upon this nation.

As a former military spouse who has lived abroad, I have seen firsthand how fortunate we are. We must never take our country for granted, nor should we ever stop thanking our veterans. It is vital that we remember our forefathers and the brave individuals who have stepped up to ensure what is right and just.

Regardless of the challenges we face, we still live in the best place on Earth. I love my country unconditionally. I am proud of who I am. I AM an American.

—Dorothy Kuhn, Shepherdsville
Consumer-member of Salt River Electric

Anthem at the rodeo

I took this photo at Bulls, Bands & Barrels last year at the Alltech Arena in Lexington. I always have stood with American pride during the openings at rodeos. It’s not the same feeling as being at a football or basketball game either. Not to say that those openings aren’t as meaningful during our national anthem. It just has a feeling that’s hard to put into words. I always have a tear in my eye and a smile on my face when I hear the national anthem, no matter the place or time.

— Tiffany O’Bryan

Lessons from my parents

We live in the greatest country in the world. I know that because I was taught that from an early age.  I was taught love of country, respect for country and respect for others by both my parents. My father was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard.  My mother was the daughter of a veteran of the United States Army. My parents taught us four children by their examples.  I consider myself extremely fortunate to be taught such lessons. I say God Bless America.

— Alice Wilson

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

I recall how the Founding Fathers were willing to “put their money where their mouth is” in supporting the war for independence from the tyranny of England.  They gave their all for a cause they believed in:  that every human being had the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and the freedom of religion.

— Sue Sherer

Twenty years of service

I’m proud that I served 20-plus years in the Army Reserve. Did not go overseas. But I’m proud of what I did.

— Kathryn Pilkenton

Remembering my uncle

As a small child, I watched the events following my uncle being killed in the Korean War. Army personnel arrived at my grandparents’ home to deliver the heart-breaking news. In my next vivid memory, we, the family, were at church for the memorial service and Army guards escorted the body. I was 6 years old and could not understand. My question to my grieving mom was, “Why do they have guns?” Years later, I sat in American History class in high school, and the teacher informed our class that one of our own, Johnny Dues—my uncle—had been killed on the battlefield after the war had ended, but word had not yet been delivered there.

— Jane Jones

Independence is a work in progress

The Declaration of Independence was a great document to show citizens who wanted to govern themselves. It did not include all citizens originally, but as the country grew, all citizens were included to make this a great nation. The rights are something to always fight for all citizens.

— David Olinger

In God We Trust

I know I’m free! Many men and women paid the ultimate price and I’m proud to represent those who served, and are serving. Our motto “In God We Trust” has been lost throughout the years. We should not forget our motto. Everything we have and celebrate belongs to God and we are here to manage what is His. Let’s do it right!

— Barbara Hess

Freedom is not free

As the (step) daughter of a Vietnam veteran who passed in 2025, I am proud of our service members and their sacrifices for our freedom. Freedom is NOT Free, and all those men and women who have served, gone to war, and some who paid the ultimate price, have long ensured that our wonderful USA has stayed free. I am proud to be an American because we have the right to say what we feel and worship as we wish, and that we are truly a free country. Not everywhere in the world is this way. And I hope everyone remembers that it is our service men and women who have helped to ensure that we continue to have this blessed freedom!

— Dana Luttrell

Never forget their sacrifice

The hard-fought freedom we have that we should never take for granted and never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom.

— Roberta Tackett

Touching down in the USA

Many things fill my heart with thanksgiving that I could have been born anywhere in this world, but God had plans for my birth home to be the United States of America. I have traveled many countries, and to touch down on American soil and have the plane erupt in cheers just fills your heart with pride. Then, to come through customs and see you are entering the USA! What a thrilling year ahead!

— Myra Shirley

A proud Kentuckian

I am proud to be from a small Kentucky town where people still show up for the welfare of their neighbors. Kentuckians come out for each other. We feed those that need a meal and are fed when hungry. We shelter when homes are lost. We pray together when life feels hopeless. We hold each other up when our strength has been crushed. We raise our children to care for others, defend our humanity, and believe in themselves. We bend our knees and bow our heads. This day of independence, I’m reminded I am not just proud to be an American but enormously proud to also be a Kentuckian!

—Diana Hamilton, Brooksville
Consumer-member of Fleming-Mason Energy

Still fighting forward

We need to continue to fight for the rights of all our citizens. Any citizen being abused increases the ability for all of our citizens to have their rights abused. It is amazing that 250 years later, we are fighting for the same rights that were being abused 250 years ago. My family members are no longer slaves, and we want to keep it that way.

— David Olinger

Good and kind people

When I see the working Americans, people giving thanks to the ones that gave all, and you believe it’s coming from their heart—that makes me proud that I gave some, and knowing there are still good and kind people in this world.

— Bruce Russell

Proud to become an American

August 1954, for me, is a date to remember. That is the year that I legally emigrated from Havana, Cuba, to Tampa, Florida. I was fortunate to be exposed to both the Hispanic culture as well as learning the American culture. I am very proud to have become a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1970. I feel very fortunate to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave!

—Mayra Diaz-Ballard, Mayfield
Consumer-member of West Kentucky RECC

Freedom to worship

What makes me proud to live in America is the freedom we have to worship God without facing persecution and the fact that America is a caring and generous country.

— Debra Schiely

A strong defense

Freedom from all enemies foreign and domestic. That we have a strong defense and protecting our borders. That we put Americans first.

— John Scales

Roots Since 1639

My family came to the USA in 1639 from Scotland and settled in Virginia. In 1830, some of my family came to Warren County, Kentucky. Some fought in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. We love Kentucky and our country. We are very proud and blessed to live here in Bowling Green.

— James Burnette

Land of the free

My father-in-law was a Vietnam veteran, so anytime I see any soldiers, it always makes me remember that we live in a GREAT state and country! Where we are still the Land of the free and the home of the brave!

— Cynthia Grissom

Freedom and opportunity for all of us

As the result of a tractor accident at age 16, I have lived with a severe disability for 34-plus years. I’ve talked to disabled folks from all over the world, and there is no country on the face of this Earth in which a wheelchair-using, former farm kid could have survived and thrived like I have in the United States. The United States offers unprecedented freedom and opportunity for all of us, even someone like me who would really struggle elsewhere. I thank God daily that I live here and that He inspired our forefathers to create this wonderful country.

—Jason Potts, Maceo
Consumer-member of Kenergy

A woman’s rights

As a woman in America, I cherish my right to vote, drive, have a meaningful job and own property.

— Carol Behringer

Wild and beautiful parks

As Americans, we have two really fantastic pieces of literature; a certain proclamation and a set of laws. We also have the most beautiful national/state Parks. Several years ago, I read some of John Muir and his writings lit a fire under me to get out there and witness these beautiful places.

— Matt Baer

Getting through together

I love how communities come together to provide emotional and financial support when needs come to light, but also on a daily basis by filling food pantries throughout the community, supporting numerous fundraisers, and “paying it forward” in a drive-through line.  Gratifying to know that “We will get through this; we will get through this together,” to quote a very special Governor!

— Alice Harris

Free to believe

Being American and knowing that you are free to decide on your religion and go about your day freely is really the best feeling you can have and I am so proud to be an American

— Charles Riggs

United we dream

My American pride comes from a history of the melting pot that I grew up in. People from all over the world left their birth countries and came here to become Americans. We joined together to work for a common goal of making the greatest country in the world. We were proud to put our hands on our hearts and pledge our allegiance to the flag of these United States because we knew that united we would reach our dreams. We sang songs in school like “God Bless America” and “This land is my land” with voices loud and proud. Our history classes were full of stories of the struggles of a growing nation and how we came through those together as one nation under God. We learned how those before us fought and died for our freedoms and how our founding documents were formed and used to create a country that is an envy of peoples worldwide even today. It was common knowledge that we lived in a Constitutional Republic that was designed for a Christian people, and that it would be hard to keep. In my lifetime we have tried to keep it, because we know that America is the last best hope on Earth. So, I challenge the future generations to do better than we did and not only keep it but to seek God’s guidance to bring it back to its glory days.

— Susan Taylor

Faith of our fathers

The faith of our fathers handed down through the generations makes me proud to be an American. The first settlers came to America for freedom of religion. The Bible has been a plumb line, a guide for American daily life, since our beginning. This photo is from Boling Chapel United Brethren Church in 1922 at Reynolds Station, Kentucky, in Hancock County.  Fronia Newton Jones is my grandmother.

— Mary Wagner

Pride at the fair

The Kentucky state fair always helps me realize the diversity of our state. I love all the agriculture our state has on display as well as the arts and crafts and delicious food puts Kentucky in the spotlight for all to see.

— Dana Moore

Proud to be an American—and a Kentuckian

I am proud to be from a small Kentucky town where people still show up for the welfare of their neighbors. Kentuckians come out for each other. We feed those that need a meal and are fed when hungry. We shelter when homes are lost. We pray together when life feels hopeless. We hold each other up when our strength has been crushed. We raise our children to care for others, defend our humanity and believe in themselves. We bend our knees and bow our heads. This day of independence, I’m reminded I am not just proud to be an American but enormously proud to also be a Kentuckian!

—Diana Hamilton, Brooksville
Consumer-member of Fleming-Mason Energy

Proud of community resilience

Standing on our courthouse lawn in West Liberty is the World War I Doughboy. The statue was damaged in the EF3 tornado that struck West Liberty in March 2012. Since repair, the Doughboy faces west, from where the tornado came. He symbolizes victory over defeat. The Doughboy has stood on our courthouse lawn for over 98 years. God bless our little town, and God bless America!

Gina Vance, West Liberty