‘Why I love America ...’

As America marks its 250th birthday, the Aurora News-Register invited local residents to answer one simple question: Why do you love America?
Their responses are as varied as the people who shared them. Some reflect on faith and the freedoms our nation protects. Others celebrate the strength of family, community and the opportunities that come with living in the United States of America. Together, their thoughts offer a heartfelt reminder that patriotism is deeply personal, and that love of country is expressed in many different ways.
As we celebrate America 250, we are pleased to share these reflections from friends and neighbors across Hamilton County.

Glenna Markham
Glenna Markham’s patriotic spirit is visible to anyone driving down Mark Street in Aurora, where love of country is celebrated year around. She enjoys decorating for every season, but this year started early -- before Flag Day -- in honor of America’s 250th birthday on the 4th of July, creating an Americana look both inside and outside her home.
“Patriotism started at home for me and it was just very important to my dad that we were respectful, told the truth and were kind,” Markham shared as she sat down in her living room to reflect on ANR’s “Why I love America …” assignment. “I’ve been to Washington D.C. several times and I have a grandson who is a veteran, as well as other members in my family that have served. It’s just something we should be so proud of and you know I can’t remember a time what I wasn’t proud to be an American.”
Markham grew up in Merna, Neb., and has lived in Aurora for more than 30 years, working most of that time as an administrative assistant for Aurora Public Schools. Her perspective on community, country and faith are closely intertwined.
“I think patriotism is just a pride that you have for your country and you know I think God plays a very important part in that,” she said. “I think our forefathers established this country on that, so to me that’s what it’s all about.”
As a little girl back in Custer County, she fondly recalls starting each day by saying the Pledge of Allegiance and hearing a Bible verse, a tradition she said she appreciates more as time passes by.
“That was how we started our day,” she said. “So with those things being instilled in us as kids I think that just carried over as we got older.”

Orvin Bontrager
“I am thankful to be a citizen of the USA for the freedom each of us has to worship God as we see appropriate,” shared Orvin Bontrager. “America has vast natural resources, scenic areas, and historic sites that we are free to visit and enjoy. Being a good steward of these resources is the responsibility of each of us. I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in those endeavors.”

Matt Gordon
Giltner Public Schools Supt. Matt Gordon shared that he loves his country because of the countless ways people can achieve the American dream and have continued to help their country for future generations.
“I love America because it is a nation built on opportunity, freedom and the belief that each generation can leave things better than they found them,” Gordon said. “Everyone deserves the chance to dream, discover their talents and build a life of purpose. Whether their path leads them to create, build, teach, serve or innovate, our country provides the freedom and opportunity to pursue those dreams. I am grateful to be a U.S. citizen and proud to live in a nation where serving others, strengthening our communities and investing in the next generation helps create a brighter future for all.”

Jeanette Friesen
Jeanette Friesen’s love for America took root as a young child from the stories she heard from her father, Charles Huenefeld. He served in the Army in World War II, spending much of his time in northern Africa. 
“Hearing how he loved and served as he did made me realize the value and importance of our country,” she shared. “His love for this country inspired my own.”
Throughout her lifetime, more things have added to this love, she explained.
“One was coming to appreciate how our founding fathers loved God and had respect for each human life,” she said. “They designed a government where both would be valued, and desired these values to be able to thrive here -- ones that we still strive for today. I am humbled by the continued love shown our country by our veterans. 
“I love the beauty and variety of America,” she concluded. “I especially love seeing the mountains, but also love seeing the crops and seasonal changes we have every year. I also love America for the freedoms we have. We can worship God, go to school, work, and enjoy our families in a peaceful community, just to name a few. There really is no place like the USA, and I am so thankful to life here, a land that I love.”

Alan Anderson
Pondering the question “Why I love America?” prompted Alan Anderson to observe that each writer could have a different view with a similar outcome. 
“Many years ago when Dottie and I were in the early stages of marriage, we read an article in Reader’s Digest that was thought provoking at the time, but relative even more today,” Anderson wrote. “The question was ‘If you had an emergency, how many people would come to your aid not counting relatives.’ 
The poll numbers was a resounding average of two, Anderson shared. 
“America allows people with common interests to join together for the better good of the area where you live,” he said. “It could be by nationality, job related, church, or common interest. 
“Well over 100 years ago my ancestors and my wife’s ancestors immigrated to Nebraska from Denmark, Germany and Russia and proceeded to apply for and receive their citizenship,” Anderson continud. “They loved America because they were safe. No government money was used to get them established in American life. That help was provided by earlier immigrants that made a home here and encouraged people to follow them. They loved America and made productive lives without asking for handouts. Hard work, honesty and pride made them a new class of US citizen. 
“We youngsters lost the old country language but we excelled in the ever changing and growing America,” Anderson added. “My wife’s father proclaimed to his family that they were Americans and we will learn and speak American. We have lived in Kansas, Georgia, and Kentucky and of course Nebraska and have met good people every place we lived, but the people in the Midwest is why we love America. Every time you offer your services in helping others, and yes helping moving a piano just fits the bill, you are showing love for America.”
Anderson is an Army veteran with friends in most states. Military, law enforcement, firefighters, EMT’s and others all are part of a life-long club that was built by helping people. 
“Have you ever been to a veteran’s funeral that was honored by the Aurora American Legion Post 42 Honor Guard?” he asked. “It is an honor to the fallen veteran, but it is a privilege to be included for the family of our fallen comrade. That’s why I love America. United States was built on people working together with freedom to do so and you have to wonder where else can you find that opportunity. I grew up in a neighborhood where we waved at car license plates. We did not know who was driving, but we knew who the car belonged to and those family ties were honored friends.”
The long-time Aurora resident also offered a local perspective on becoming a part of your country and community.
“I was once told by an old established citizen of Hamilton County, ‘If you are new don’t wait to be introduced, introduce yourself and become part of the family,”’ Anderson said. “You really have to love America, but the easiest way to be a good citizen is to help make it better, safe and honest. “Happy 250’th BirthdayAmerica,” he concluded. “You are indivisible, Under God and we are at your service.”

Jeremy Burgener
It’s a scene right out of the 1993 classic film, “The Sandlot” as Aurora’s American Legion Post 42 baseball team was celebrating a much-needed victory at Mitchell Field last week as fireworks popped in the air all across town.
Sure, Mitchell Field still had its lights on unlike the film, but the feeling was there. Baseball, hot dogs and American pride. 
It provides a unique feeling every year for Post 42 coach Jeremy Burgener, but with a bit of an extra flair this time being the 250th celebration of America.
“I really like playing baseball underneath the fireworks,” Burgener said. “Being able to play here around the fourth of July and getting a win tonight is really special. 
“Also, being part of the American Legion, it’s really special for them and the 250th anniversary,” he said. “Being around all those military guys is really cool and getting to do that with baseball is awesome.”
Burgener said it’s evident showing up to the ball park all summer long and was especially clear during last week’s A’ROR’N Days celebration, featuring splashes of red, white and blue that Aurora is a unique community that still holds onto some of those original American values. 
“The investment in the youth and community here is unmatched,” Burgener said. “Aurora still holds on to a piece of that American dream where I couldn’t think of a better place to raise my family, be a coach and be a part of a community. That’s what America is all about.”

Jarrett Havens
Fellow Post 42 coach Jarrett Havens had similar feelings on being part of the legion baseball team, at one time as a player and now the coach of the Aurora Cooperative Juniors team.
“The 250th celebration is great and to be part of it with playing baseball as America’s greatest pastime is super great,” Havens said. “To be able to play and coach baseball here in Aurora is something special.”
Havens mentioned that growing up in Aurora gave him a unique perspective that even though he left for higher education after high school, coming back home was something he was looking for.
“Aurora is just so supportive,” he said. “We had great fans here tonight supporting our guys. Having that close-knit community and celebrate America here in Aurora is great.”

Scott M Goertzen
(Responding to a post on the ANR Facebook page) “I’ve never gambled a single time in my entire life, because I’ve already won the lottery. I was born in the USA. If you work hard and put in the time and effort required, you can accomplish anything.” Jim Nelson responded: “The truth every American lives with.”

Sharon Roehrs Goertzen
(Responding to a post on the ANR Facebook page) “I’m so proud to be an American. Freedom many have never experienced. God bless America!”

Rich Nelson
“I’m thankful and feel blessed to have been born in the USA,” said Rich Nelson. “As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary I pray we never lose appreciation for the many freedoms and opportunities granted to us through the Constitution. May we take pride in pledging our allegiance to the flag and the United States of America. I ask that you join me in praying for our country, its leaders and our future.”

Misty Mooney
“My love for America started from an early age. America gave our family a new start,” observed Misty Mooney. “From my maternal great-grandmother stepping off the boat at Ellis Island fresh from Newry, Ireland, to my paternal great-grandfather Americanizing our last name to “blend” into their community better. (The original spelling of Mooney’s maiden name was Rohrich and it was changed to Raric.) America gave our family the promise of a new life and it delivered. So in tribute our family members serve in the armed forces when the can and we teach from an early age how important America is and how it has changed our lives for the better.”

Karen Bamesberger
“Our country was labeled a “land of opportunities” in its early days,” said Karen Bamesberger. “Our forefathers firmly believed in that description, as well as people should be able to worship as they wish, have freedom, and have strong family values.
“As I look back on my career opportunities and the many people that I’ve gotten to work with through the years, America is the place that meets this description,” she added. “I’ve lived in Hampton the past 44 years and the people here certainly also meet these requirements and thus we keep moving forward and making progress for future developments. America 250 should be celebrated!”

Kathryn Larson
“I love America because it is a country that perpetually strives towards the ideal of ‘a more perfect union,”’ noted Kathryn Larson. “The funny thing about ideals is that they are rarely fully attainable, including the ideal of a perfect union between human beings. Even so, America still provides a glimmer of hope in a divided world by striving towards a MORE perfect union among its citizenry (and the rest of the world when possible), with its efforts spurred on by its founding principles of equality before God, equality before the law, and various other inalienable rights for its people. While our guiding stars may not be fully within reach, neither are they fully out of sight as we continue to chase them over the next horizon. And the American people display the best of our country when they take this spirit in stride (with a recent example being the uplifting stories of American hospitality during the World Cup this year) instead of settling for lesser ideals. 
“In short,” Larson concluded, “I love America because while the realities of the human condition make perfect unity impossible, America still flies in the face of the impossible and looks towards its ideals with enduring hope, optimism and opportunity.”

Mayor Marlin Seeman 
“I love America for many reasons! 
As an American, I grew up under the shadow of World II and Korean War veterans in our community so I understood the cost of war. 
When I was drafted onto the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War I knew what the cost might be. 
As it turned out that price was paid in sweat and blood, but my belief in America never wavered and thus my love of country was never in doubt! 
I love America because my heart will always beat for her success in the world. 
I have experienced many joys in Aurora over the 50 years living here. My family and I have benefited with love and support from our church, our community/schools and our friends.”

John Eastman
In celebration for the love of his country, Giltner resident John Eastman is grateful for all the freedoms Americans can have compared to other countries throughout the world.
“We’ve got all the freedoms that nobody else in the world has,” Eastman said. “We can do whatever we want, I mean  for the most part as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. We have freedom of religion here, which we don’t have a lot of places all over the world. We can come and go across the country as you please. You don’t need passports or anything to go anywhere in the country.
“Our voting system, as screwed up as it is, it’s still probably the best one around,” Eastman continued. “We get up, we get to pick our representatives and we get to have some say in the government. Not as much as we think we do, but we get to have more say than anybody else in the world. The 2nd Amendment is probably the greatest thing about the country. In most places, you don’t have the right to defend yourself.”

Steve Jacobsen
Waking up each day to a cup of coffee and the morning news, Steve Jacobsen said he’s pretty sure is father, grandfather and great-grandfather had a different routine but shared concerns about the country they love.
“I still do have concerns about where we are headed,” Jacobsen said, adding that he agrees with NFS Grundtvig, a Danish philosopher and theologian, who said he hoped for a world where very few had too much and even fewer had too little.’ 
“I coffee with a group of very intelligent men on Monday and Wednesday morning at Poco Creek,” he concluded. “I leave at 10 a.m. thinking Wow! America is really a great place’ and I love America.”