As the United States prepares to celebrate the 241st anniversary of its independence, people from across Northwest Indiana may be taking a moment away from barbecuing, fireworks and parades to reflect on why they are proud to be an American.
James Forsythe
James Forsythe, 92, slipped on his American Legion hat as he began to reflect on why he believed America was great.
“It comes down to our Founding Fathers,” he said. “They based our country on religious principles which guarantee freedom and safety of all citizens.”
Forsythe, a World War II veteran and former Crown Point mayor, said America is unique because it is the one country where someone can do whatever they want in life.
“There are so many different fields and a variety of jobs people can work,” he said. “There are so many things a person can do all they need is a desire to do them.”
As the Fourth of July approaches, Forsythe said, it’s a good time for people to show appreciation for the “great” country we live in.
Jeffery Colby
Every weekday morning, Jeffery Colby, owner of Playboy Barber & Style Shop in Gary, starts with a click and the buzzing sound of his electric clippers. Above his barber chair are photos of the previous owners of his shop — his mother and grandmother.
For Colby, inheriting and running the family business is his American dream.
“I take pride in being a business owner,” he said. “Especially something that’s been in my family for three generations.”
His grandmother, Audrey Jenkins, who founded the shop, died in 1999. His mother, Patricia Colby, who ran the shop after her mother’s death, died two years ago.
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While Colby said he appreciates being from this country, there are times when being a black man in America can be difficult.
“It’s hard to find peace sometimes because of what you read about and see on TV,” he said.
He doesn’t lose sight of the opportunities in the United States.
“This is the only country I’m from so I can only speak in a positive light,” he said. “It afforded me to get an education, a college degree and (become) a small business owner.
“The opportunities we have here still outweigh the opportunities anywhere else.”
Colby said he takes it upon himself to give back to the community and to “pay it forward.”
“It’s on me now to turn to the kids and give back to them,” he said. “That’s my American duty.”
Kyle Toth
Kyle Toth, 22, spends most of his time at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond studying and preparing for his future, he said.
And as a college student pursuing his career goals, Toth said that’s a “beautiful” part of this country.
“As a student I had opportunities to go to school and continue my education,” he said. “And college is a real possibility for anyone these days. That’s America.”
Whether it’s the opportunity to pursue an education, the ability to be politically active, national security or freedom of religion, Toth said, there’s a lot to be proud of being an American.
“I take pride in the fact that I get to try and elect my representatives,” he said. “I take pride in the fact that we have good infrastructure. I take pride that I can feel safe in my house. As an American I don’t have to worry whether or not my house is going to be destroyed by some sort of conflict.”
Toth said he knows there can be challenges here, as with any other place, but all in all, it gives most people the chance to live a decent life.
“I’m pretty happy with my life here,” he said. “I have a good life.”
Jose Bustos
Jose Bustos, 65, said he appreciates the right to free speech during times of turmoil.
“It makes me feel good that I have the ability to speak out on behalf of those who cannot do it themselves,” he said.
As the issue of immigration continues to be a national topic of discussion, Bustos, a manager for Immigrant Support and Assistance Center in East Chicago, said it is important in America that people can fight for what they believe without the fear of being harmed.
Bustos said America has been a flawed nation since it was established, but Americans’ ability to identify an issue and work toward a resolution sets the U.S apart.
“If you look at the history that has been what has made America great,” Bustos said. “People step up and speak out. It’s my hope that we continue to do that to change people’s hearts and encourage dialogue.”
Bustos said he shows his patriotism with how he lives day to day.
“I’m grateful to be where I’m at,” Bustos said. “All my life since I got out of the military, I have served my country in civilian life. I have been active in my community.”
“How I live my life shows that I’m proud to be an American.”
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