"I am an American; free born and free bred, where I acknowledge no man as my superior, except for his own worth, or as my inferior, except for his on demerit." -Theodore Roos- evelt

These words spoken by Teddy Roosevelt have a special place in my heart because I was not born free. I was not born with luxurious rights people here in the United States are born with. So I show my patriotism any way I can. Some ways I show patriotism are by thanking veterans, voting and respecting the flag.

Thanking veterans is important because they fight for our country and risk their lives for us! Celebrating Veterans Day is a common way to honor veterans that risked their lives. Every year, I would go to a service for veterans that is hosted by a school I used to attend. Many veterans showed up, and I thanked those that passed me. I also remember my mom paying for a veteran's food to thank him for his service. We do not only thank veterans to show our patriotism though, my parents also vote.

Patriotism in my family is also shown through utilizing the right to vote. I plan on registering so when I am able to; I can vote for my president. Using the right I have to choose my leaders is incredibly important to me. I am an adoptee that comes from a communist country. Had I not been adopted, I would not have the glorious right to vote for my leader. Until I can vote however, I show my patriotism everyday by respecting the flag.

Respecting the flag is the most patriotic way I show my patriotism. Every morning at school, we recite the pledge of allegiance to respect the flag. I also stand with my hand over my heart during the national anthem. Another way I show my respect is by properly disposing of the flag. Respecting the flag is important because it represents America.

Patriotism is everything to me. I will show my patriotism every waking moment of my life, whether it be by voting or showing my thanks to a veteran. I can never show how grateful I am for this country and its liberties. Words will never be enough to express what I feel for the United States. The United States is where I am free, and I could not imagine myself anywhere else.