Being an American is much more than enjoying the spoils of your hard work. It's more than vacationing at some plush beach resort, owning a home, or touting a new SUV or pickup truck every couple of years. It's more than being elated when your kid makes a goal at a soccer game or dining at an expensive four-star restaurant.

Being an American means honoring those who came before you, who chose to bring you into a world and offer you the same kind of loving, joyful experiences you had growing up. Being an American is knowing that every peaceful, law-abiding lifestyle is protected, honored and respected.

Being an American is remembering how crucial our heritage and history were in building our nation. We overcame any evil that threatened to take our freedoms. From day one, Americans volunteered to fight in any war where tyranny and hate threatened the peace and sovereignty of the human race.

But there is a lot more to being an American. Contained within every American is a deep-seated belief that every human being is unique and that uniqueness forged the greatest nation on earth.

We are proud Americans who have faith in a system of democracy where one single vote can change the future. Yes, being an American is more than success and greatness; it is a soul at peace with their Creator who loves their neighbor so much that they would give their life for them.

George Pikoulas,

Butler Township