Tomorrow is Election Day, and I see my siblings, parents, and grandparents vote for the future of our country. I am grateful to have the opportunity to vote, and to be able to have an opinion that is valued. This is America, this is our people, and this is freedom.

America is voting for our future. Voting gives each of us a chance to have an opinion of our government and be a powerful political force. It is a right and responsibility Americans should take advantage of to make changes in the United States. Voting is using our freedom of speech. This is America, this is our people, and this is freedom.

America is April 25th, 1993. In Washington D.C., between 800,000 and 1 million people marched in the National Mall for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender rights. People marched for the civil rights against discrimination, and to have an increase in AIDS research and funding. Protesting is using our freedom of speech. This is America, this is our people, and this is freedom.

America is August 28th, 1963. A march which held 250,000 people in Washington D.C., and fought for jobs and freedom. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I have a Dream” speech to defend his and everyone else’s rights no matter your race. Voicing an opinion is using our freedom of speech. This is America, this is our people, and this is freedom.

As I look at the red, white, and blue flag that represents our country, I think of how grateful I am to have been born here. Living in a country where anybody’s opinion can be heard. This is America, this is our people, and this is freedom.