To be an American: Make nation strong for tomorrow

Nicholas P. Gartner, Henderson

Thursday, July 4, 2013 | 2 a.m.

Last week we asked you what it means to be an American. We received a great response. Here are some of the letters and comments. We’ll publish more in the coming days.

Pride in our heritage has a lot to do with being an American. When I attended grade school, American history made the other subjects tolerable. The stories of our forefathers created pride and gave us all a mission to preserve and defend what others had died defending for us.

Independence Day is a time to celebrate what was once the greatest nation on the planet. America, like so many other past great societies, is in its swan song. I regret not being able to make the nation stronger for future generations. It is my fervent hope that future generations will be able to overcome the mistakes made and rebuild America to her former glory.