America, America

"We live in a country like no other." With those words, the public address announcers at Amherst sporting events invite those in attendance to stand for the playing of the national anthem.

As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, we would like our readers to take a few minutes to consider that statement. What does America mean to you?

Have you or a loved one served in the military? Have you traveled to another country and come back with a greater appreciation for our freedoms?

Perhaps you've visited one of our national parks and been awed by the splendor of nature. Or maybe you've marveled at the feats of engineering in our cities.

Perhaps you've visited the statehouse or Congress and seen our government in action. Perhaps after seeing our government in action, you've run for office to try to replace the bums.

Perhaps you've been inspired reading our nation's history. Perhaps you have been saddened or incensed at the discrimination in our history which we still struggle to overcome.

Perhaps you are a naturalized citizen, who made a conscious decision to become an American. Perhaps you were born here and became an American by virtue of geography.

America means different things to each American. And it means something entirely different to those living outside the United States.

We invite readers to write to us and tell us what America means to them. We will publish those letters in our July 2 edition.