Several years ago I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture by Peter W. Schramm on what it means to be an American. I remember being deeply moved by his words and his vision of the world, and I’ve never forgotten the experience. Here, in an essay that may seem lengthy in terms of Internet reading, is more on what Professor Schramm sees as the genesis of being an American.

My mother tells me, though I don’t remember saying this, that I told my father I would follow him to hell if he asked it of me. Fortunately for my eager spirit, hell was exactly what we were trying to escape and the opposite of what my father sought.

 

“But where are we going?” I asked.

“We are going to America,” my father said.

“Why America?” I prodded.

“Because, son. We were born Americans, but in the wrong place,” he replied.

I encourage you to take the time - make the time - to read it in its entirety.

Remember to check out the other Patriotic Journeyers… JimK, Scott, Larry, Drumwaster, and Cosmicbabe.