proud to be an american
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” – Abraham Lincoln
Opportunity, diversity, freedom—just a few of the ideals that make America a place worth living. Freedom to be who you are and strive to be better than you were yesterday. Diversity of thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and solutions. Opportunity to achieve even the most outlandish of goals and dreams. This Fourth of July we asked the Rhone team to reflect on what makes them proud to be an American as well as their most treasured traditions. We hope their words will remind you of why you are proud to be an American as well as remind you of your traditions as we celebrate the birth of our nation.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN?
I believe the strongest value that our country once held and currently struggles to maintain, was being a republic of ideas and beliefs. The founders of this country actually held very little in common and at times, disagreed strongly and yet managed to pull it together to create something larger than themselves. We are a wonderful melting pot and taking that for granted will ultimately cost us dearly.
Ben Checketts, Creative Director
I am proud of America's roots in promoting freedom of ideas, people, and possibilities in our own country and throughout the world.
Luke Skarzynski, VP of Strategy
My freedom makes me the most proud to be an American. Being an American means that I have opportunity which is something that I try to never take for granted.
Brittany Longo, Account Executive
I am proud to be an American bc America provides an opportunity for people from all over the world to start over, start a career, start a family, and be their true self.
Barb Nealey, VP of Human Resources and Retail Operations
I am proud to be an American because of all the things I am able to take for granted every day. Being an American means living in a melting pot and being a true product of that. My mom is 100% Puerto Rican - her parents were born and raised there and ultimately moved to USA for the opportunities. My dad is a mix of English, Irish, Welsh and Swedish. The fact that these two people from completely different backgrounds were able to meet and fall in love is so American to me! My husband is Italian and German, so I can't wait to have children with ~7 nationalities. Such a beautiful thing to collectively embrace all cultures!
Victoria Fucci, Merchandise Planner
To see when our nation unites. People standing to show respect to our troops (past and current) and salute our flag. To hear voices ring out the pledge of allegiance and sing the national anthem. This is what makes me proud to be an American!
Jessica Albrecht, Customer Experience Manager
I have always loved that America has been a pioneer. Leading the way in innovation and not being afraid to be unconventional. It is a nation of thinkers, doers and entrepreneurs. Being an American makes me want to honor those who have gone before me to make this country great and live up to their legacy.
Nate Checketts, CEO
Freedom is what makes me proud to be an American. With the sacrifices that went into fighting for our freedom in the earlier days and the sacrifices that continue, I am grateful for those people who have fought for our rights to be a free Country.
Kyle Johnson, Director of Digital & Performance Marketing
It feels like I’m constantly being bombarded with reasons why one shouldn't be proud of our country, or proud to be an American. I completely disagree with of this sentiment. Imperfection, unfortunately, is the inheritance of both humanity and her nations. The USA is no exception to that rule. But, while individuals representing our nation have at times made terrible, heart-wrenching mistakes, I believe that America is more than a sum of wrong decisions made by politicians.
Being American is about the idealism of our Founding Fathers, the idea that if something is wrong, it's your responsibility to make it right. That every person has a right to live, be free, and build their life in a way that they see fit. And I'm very proud of my country, not only when we've stood up for ourselves but especially when we've stood up for others unable to do so.
No other nation has spent as much blood and treasure to ensure the freedoms of other people. American lives have preserved freedom in places like Korea and France, and our economic system is continuing to push back global poverty to historic lows year after year. Are there things that we should be doing differently? Have we historically been heavy-handed at times in pursuit of our self-interest? Absolutely we have. But we have much, much more to celebrate about being American, than we have to mourn.
Austin Hesterly, Senior Developer
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE 4TH OF JULY TRADITIONS?
Spending time with family is key. Often we'll go hiking as an extended family early in the morning (for us), and eat donuts when we got to the top and look out over the valley. In theory, we'd be up there and watch the sunrise, but the early risers are vastly outnumbered so I don't think that ever happened more than once or twice. Then we'd spend the rest of the day hanging out, playing games, have a barbecue. Growing up we used to do fireworks, which usually included the classic firework tanks vs an outgunned army of plastic green army men. Also, a great day to watch war films, with Captain America being a recent favorite for this day.
Austin Hesterly, Senior Developer
Our most recent tradition has been attending what's called Colonial Days. It's an event that showcases different Colonial aspects of what things looked like and felt like during the Revolutionary War. There's also an exhibit that showcases all the military vehicles and gear that have been used in past wars. Attending this really highlights the important events that happened during the Revolution and the other wars that have been fought to protect our freedoms. It really sets the tone for celebrating the Fourth of July to gain more respect for what's taken place to shape our great Country.
Kyle Johnson, Director of Digital & Performance Marketing
Every year we go to this same great local park called Waveny where nearly everyone in our town gathers for a picnic and fireworks. This same brass band (where I am guessing the average age of the band member is 75) plays traditional patriotic tunes. It's what I love most about the 4th in one spot (food, family, fireworks, and fun).
Nate Checketts, CEO
My favorite 4th of July traditions are the parades. When I was younger we went to parades through the different nearby cities days leading up to the 4th of July. On the morning of the 4th, my hometown has a fairly big parade that my family still gets up early to attend. They make their way to the parade line hours before the start to save the best seat along the route. With donuts and juice in hand. As the parade goes by, we cheer for every float or unit that goes by. We give even bigger cheers when there is someone we know in the group or if there is candy. It has been some of the most wonderful times and many memories with Parents, Sibling and now their kids. Sometimes even Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandma. Memories and Traditions to never die!
Jessica Albrecht, Customer Experience Manager
4th of July is actually my sister's birthday and she's a firework! So, every year we celebrate the incredible human being she has grown to be. She beat Leukemia about 6 years ago, so seizes every moment of the life she fought for proving she's deserving of it. She's my greatest inspiration and thus the most important!
Victoria Fucci, Merchandise Planner
Watching the fireworks and going to a bbq. The fireworks are a symbol of our freedom and what being an American represents. BBQs allow us to spend time with our friends and family and enjoy each others company. And hot dogs. :)
Barb Nealey, VP of Human Resources and Retail Operations
One of my favorite 4th of July traditions is our family BBQ - an all-day family affair of cooking, drinking, games and enjoying each others company. Of course, ending the night by lighting some fireworks off in the driveway!
Brittany Longo, Account Executive
Every year we host a huge BBQ with friends and family. It's a great way to bring our small community together to celebrate friendship and of course the US of A.
Luke Skarzynski, VP of Strategy
Growing up in a small town, the 4th of July was dependably held in a large public park where friends and families congregate to enjoy food, football, and fireworks (in that order). I have so many memories of those humid days melting into warm nights under the glow of fireworks. The only downside is that I have moved away and everything kind of pales in comparison.
Ben Checketts, Creative Director