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What Does America Mean to Me: A Personal Reflection

Table of contents, freedom and democracy, diversity and cultural tapestry, innovation and entrepreneurship, the pursuit of dreams.

• Kazin, M., Edwards, R., & Rothman, A. (2017). The Princeton Encyclopedia of American Political History. Princeton University Press.
• Wood, G. S. (2011). The Idea of America: Reflections on the Birth of the United States. Penguin.
• Ellis, J. J. (2013). American Dialogue: The Founders and Us. Vintage.
• Smith, R. (2012). American Democracy in Peril: Eight Challenges to America's Future. CQ Press.
• Foner, E. (2017). Give Me Liberty!: An American History (Vol. 1). WW Norton & Company.

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What Does It Mean to Love Your Country?

Readers tell us how their faith in the American ideal has fared this election season.

By Rachel L. Harris and Lisa Tarchak

Ms. Harris and Ms. Tarchak are senior editorial assistants.

In her essay, “ Don’t Give Up on America ,” Marilynne Robinson describes the “deep if sometimes difficult affinity” she has for her country. At the end of a long, contentious election season, it’s not surprising that Ms. Robinson has become disillusioned with that love affair. “Resentment displaces hope and purpose the way carbon monoxide displaces air,” she writes.

We asked readers to share what makes them love their country, what causes that devotion to waiver and what, if anything, restores their adoration.

“I love most what this country has been at different times in its brief history: a defeater of tyrants, a promulgator of liberty, a beacon of opportunity and hope,” wrote Michael B. Trosino, a reader in Michigan.

Jenn Monroe in New Hampshire focused on the future:

“To love your country is to desire to see it become the best version of itself, to point out its failures, to recognize how we each have been complicit in allowing its worst to persist, to work together to create a community in which every resident has all that they need — love, food, shelter, health, peace, prosperity — and are truly treated as equals in every regard.”

More thoughts from our readers follow. They have been edited for length and clarity.

‘Be proud of it, but not afraid to confront its problems’

To love your country is to be proud of it, but also to not be afraid to confront its problems and work to solve them. I love our blatant freedoms, despite all of the cries of “communism,” “social justice warriors” and “cancel culture.” We are still largely free to do what we want!

I get disillusioned when leaders do nothing to solve problems. The way to manage it is to make them pay electorally. My faith is restored when I see that, despite everything, people generally do hold leaders accountable, as they will in the coming election. The fact that we can indeed fix it, even if it takes some time, gives me great faith in the system and this country. — Aaron Martinez, Dallas

I’m the daughter of a career military man. My patriotism is unwavering. I stand for the national anthem. I wear red, white and blue for every national holiday. I respect every branch of the military and those who have served. Most importantly, I hold my country in my heart and thank God every single day that I’m an American.

I love being free to say what I want to say and live life the way I choose to live it. Freedom is a precious gift. Needless to say, I’m disillusioned with the current state of our government. Riots and looting have destroyed our beautiful city. There is a lack of respect for the police and firefighters who are (for the most part) trying to maintain civility and protect us from the violence that plagues us. — Kathryn Hubbard, Batavia, Ill.

‘To love America you have to love experimentation’

To love America you have to love experimentation because that’s what America is. It’s hard to love a science project; there are so many failures. That’s what motivates some conservatives — an aversion to inevitable failures. I love science, I love exploration, I love learning new things, I love grand accomplishments and spectacular failures and that’s why I love America. Elon Musk came to America to experiment and now he’s going to light up the sky with internet access and he’s going to put people on Mars! How could I not love that? If you don’t fail, you’re playing it too safe. — Charles Becker, Novato, Calif.

Love isn’t passive. It’s not a sit back, relax and enjoy the show kind of deal. To love this country is to look cleareyed at its promises and its practices, working to bridge the gap between them. We are a nation, in Jimmy Carter and Bob Dylan’s phrasing, “busy being born.” Love is a belief not only in what has come, but in the growth that lies ahead. Without it we are “busy dying.” — Emmitt Sklar, Brooklyn, N.Y.

‘I love this land, its beauty, its bounty’

I’m a veteran and am incredibly thankful for the sense of purpose and work ethic I developed during my service. Now, as an engineer, I can begin to return that favor by contributing my expertise to build a better, more sustainable future. The slow, seemingly implacable death of our natural world is difficult to comprehend. I have hope, but little faith, in our ability to restore this planet, and that will have to be enough, because there isn’t anywhere else to go. — Benjamin Cheek, Washington

I live in N.Y.C. Finding nature in the city (red-tailed hawks, migratory birds, the elms in Central Park) enthralls me and makes me believe anything is possible. I love watching the pleasure people take being in city parks — fishing, playing music, relaxing, biking, dancing. That, to me, is the Arcadian ideal. To treat the lands respectfully and sustainably, in memory of the Indigenous peoples who were so violently murdered for it and the slaves who were used to exploit it. — Marcella Durand, New York, N.Y.

I’m a survivor of domestic violence and pervasive sexism that has periodically and unjustly crushed my American dreams for over five decades. Yet I still yearn for my freedom and am linked to others who have been unjustly judged, abused and oppressed. The promise of freedom and equality in our founding and our people’s struggles needs a rebirth that stretches deeper and farther than ever before. I love this land, its beauty, its bounty and all the wild creatures I have seen when visiting wild spaces. We need to embrace the protection of life and liberty for the planet, our fellow creatures and all of humanity. — Kara Steffensen, Eugene, Ore.

‘You can’t love your country without loving your fellow citizens’

To me, love of country is to be gladly anchored to values and customs that are shared by fellow citizens. It is to yearn to try shrimp and grits in South Carolina, seeing a game at Fenway, taking in some jazz in Chicago and watching waves crash against a West Coast shore.

I have never felt so pitted against fellow citizens as I do now. I manage it by reflecting on Lincoln’s observation that a house divided against itself cannot stand. I resolve to mend divisions. — Joel Griffitts, Mapleton, Utah

You can’t love your country without loving your fellow citizens, and the truest expression of that love is the willingness to sacrifice for others. In a healthy society, that willingness to sacrifice would be distributed across the shoulders of many; in ours, it falls heavily on the shoulders of a few. Those who do the most for their country, who become social workers, public defenders, child care workers and teachers — to name a few examples — are punished for it with ever-increasing financial insecurity, poor-to-nonexistent health care, low social standing, and greatly diminished prospects of supporting a family or dying peacefully of old age. — Christopher Dueker, New Hampshire

I think of my love of the U.S. the same way I love my parents and son and husband, a sort of warts-and-all kind of love. I become disillusioned by the acts of hate now prevalent around us; particularly those acts of the state directed at Black citizens. What restores my faith? I look for the helpers. I jump on a League call or donate some time at the local dog shelter and remind myself of all the really truly good people in this wonderful, irritating country of ours. — Jennifer Spillane, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

I don’t take for granted the rights and responsibilities that come with our form of government outlined in our Constitution. I recognize the necessity of paying my fair share of taxes in order to provide infrastructure and needed services. When friends and family get compartmentalized in their political labels and we stop listening to each other, I get disillusioned. I manage it by taking a break, working in my garden, reading good fiction, baking for my husband and friends. My faith is restored by others who do the same and who refuse to give up. — Barbara Quijada, Tempe, Ariz.

Ensure those less fortunate can ‘stand themselves up with dignity’

Love of country is to seek its betterment. I express that love by caring for those who are disenfranchised, misunderstood and in need. The Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements have given me more hope than I have had in decades. To see a sea of women’s faces that also include men who believe that sexual abuse and misogyny must go, to see all ages and colors of thousands of people participate in the Black Lives Matter movement, that gives me profound hope and faith. — Laura Thornton, Southington, Conn.

I love my country because I wouldn’t be alive or be an American citizen without my great-grandfather leaving a life of poverty and starvation in southern Italy to come here. To love your country is to ensure that those less fortunate, like my great-grandfather, are given the resources and assistance they need to stand themselves up with dignity, create a new life for themselves here and become productive citizens who proudly and lovingly call this place home. I used to express this love by volunteering a lot more than I do these days: Answering calls on the AIDS crisis hotline in the early days of the epidemic, serving meals and giving Christmas presents to the poor and homeless. Today I mostly express that love by donating money. — David Joseph Ruyle, Dallas

‘To love your country is to believe in its ideals’

To my surprise, reading the Bible in one year helped me see that we have always wandered away from God/good to worship gold. It is a constant struggle to return, but most people seem to continue to try. I am inspired by the words “in God we trust,” the golden rule — to love one’s neighbor as oneself, the dawning realization that here on earth we are all one another’s neighbors and the words Anne Frank wrote in her diary which continue to inspire decades after her death at the hands of pure evil and ignorance: “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” — Lisa DeLille Bolton, Nashville

To love your country is to believe in its ideals. When I was younger, I would celebrate America on the Fourth of July, in a shirt with an American flag watching fireworks with my parents. I lost my love for America when I was 16 and Trump won the election. I woke up crying on Nov. 9 and the pain has never lessened. I think it’s dangerous to love your country so deeply. I am 20 now and my jaw feels permanently clenched. Do I have faith that things will get better in America? Ask me in December. — Emma Hinchcliffe, California

I have dual citizenship with Ireland and have seriously considered leaving America. But while I honor other countries, I love ours and cannot bring myself to leave. I want us to emerge from these terrible times stronger and more humble, resilient and focused on the common good, firm in the belief that Black lives matter and that we can rescue our planet from annihilation. I find faith in the decency of the American people and the hope of the American dream. — Kathleen A. Conway, Tempe, Ariz.

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What America Means to Me

I made my digital story to capture how much I appreciate what my country does. I also made it as a tribute to people in the military. My brother was in the army so it was a emotional subject. Because I connected with the topic, I think it made it so much better.

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New Tech High at Coppell Critical Literacies 2017-2018

This is the freshman level blended class of English I taught by Mrs. Bence and Digital Media taught by Mrs. Kat Saucier. We hope you enjoy our learners' multi-modal compositions responding to the various invitations to create.

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Essays: What the U.S. flag means to me

In advance of the Fourth of July, we asked some local and state officials and readers overall this question: “What does the American flag mean to me?”

Sheila Simon , lieutenant governor

Whether we look at our nation’s flag during the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, or to check on the direction of the wind, most of us feel a sense of pride. Pride in being a land of democracy, opportunity and freedom.

But I also look at our flag through the eyes of a seamstress — not Betsy Ross, but me, a mom who has made dresses, playclothes and Halloween outfits for her daughters for two decades.

As a seamstress I see how our flag is put together, and it’s fairly complex. Some nations’ flags are big blocks of color, or even one color with an image printed on it.  No sewing beyond the hems around the edges.

Our flag is pieced. That means each stripe attached to the next and finished off so that there are no loose threads. The blue field is pieced and finished in that same way, and then stars are embroidered on, a process that requires some time when done by hand.

Our country is pieced together in a similar way. States, people and cultures that are not identical are bound together. In southern Illinois, we often talk differently than our northern Illinois neighbors, and Illinoisans talk differently than most folks in the 13 original colonies. But we are all a part of the same country.

Like our flag, our country requires finishing work; in fact, our finishing work as a country is a continual process. It takes all of us participating in the civic life of our country to keep this cloth together.

The next time you look at the flag, take a look at those different fabrics, and all the seams that bind them together. Take pride in how we can all find our own way to keep this fabric of our country strong.

Jesse White , secretary of state

The American flag means to me a tapestry of sacrifice, opportunity, volunteerism, liberty, privilege, responsibility and appreciation.  

As a former paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and as a member of the Illinois National Guard and Reserve, I admire and cherish the sacrifice, bravery and heroism that our men and women in the armed forces display each and every day whether at home or in hostile environments. The American flag represents the selfless sacrifice of these true heroes, whether it is hoisted up in a field of battle or unfurled above a baseball field.  

As a Chicago public school teacher and administrator for 33 years, I spent a portion of each morning reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, hand over heart, before the American flag.

On many occasions, I would think of my students, many of whom came from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and, while looking at the American flag, I would think: Any of these students, so long as they properly apply themselves, can accomplish great things.

Indeed, many of my former students, as well as former members of my Jesse White Tumbling Team, have gone on to become American success stories.  They have become lawyers, engineers, teachers, athletes, firefighters, police officers — the list goes on and on.  

The American flag means to me volunteerism. Americans are blessed with a kind and giving sprit. When we become successful, we find ways to give it back to those less fortunate.  

The American flag means to me liberty, that we are the privileged few that live in a nation that gives each and every one of us the opportunity to strive for greatness in whatever field or endeavor we wish to pursue.  

The American flag means to me the responsibility we bear to ensure that the United States continues to prosper and continues to give hope to those who wish for a better way of life. From all regions of this great nation, we often honor the American flag with a salute and a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This tradition underscores the powerful and emotional importance of the American flag to us as a nation, undivided.  

Lastly, the American flag means to me a profound appreciation to those departed who helped shape the United States of America — the greatest country in the world — so that it would be, as President Abraham Lincoln famously resolved at Gettysburg,  “... a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Dan Rutherford , state treasurer

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

At the start of each school day, my class would stand together, raise our right hands to our hearts and recite the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. As I spoke those words, I remember gazing at the American flag and feeling a sense of pride and responsibility.

For me, those were not just simple words, they were a promise of commitment to this country to be a loyal citizen to the land that has become home to so many people and fulfilled countless dreams.

The American flag has a unique meaning to each and every person.  Not only in the U.S., but all around the world, the American flag symbolizes freedom, pride, honor and responsibility. The red, white and blue represent unity and equality and the opportunity to make dreams reality.  

The American flag symbolizes commitment — a commitment to be of service to the land that has given us one of life’s most precious gifts, freedom. That freedom gives me the chance to be of service to my family and friends, and to the many cities and towns in Illinois as I serve as the state treasurer.

We as citizens contribute, shape, and define our diverse communities, and thus our nation.  Many citizens give great sacrifice to this country, whether it be the elected leaders guiding the nation and protecting the rights of citizens or the classroom teachers educating our next generation, every individual is responsible for contributing something to the community they belong to.  

The flag also reminds me of our armed forces, risking their lives and making daily sacrifices to secure our freedoms and ensure the safety of others. I am humbled by their service to this great nation.

These men and women know firsthand that freedom isn’t free and they are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our great nation. Our freedom is only realized with their sacrifice, service and commitment.

As Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, it is important that we take time to reflect on the symbolic stars and stripes and realize that all around the world, the American flag has become a symbol of hope.

As Illinois treasurer, I know in my heart that I have the great responsibility to do my part in carrying on the legacy of patriotism, respect, and progress that our Founding Fathers left behind. I am committed to doing my best for this great nation and the people of Illinois.

I love the United States of America, and I am filled with pride each time I see our American flag.

Melissa Asher

What does the flag mean to me? Boy, does that statement bring back a memory.

I am a single mother of three children. When my eldest son was 17, he said to me. “Mom, I want to join the military.” I said “No, son, it’s a time of war. There are so many things that you can do. You cannot join the Army or the Marines.”

I was afraid, you see, that if I sent my son, who meant so much to me, that he wouldn’t come home. So many lives lost, so many broken hearts and sadness came with such things. I just didn’t want it to be him, or me.

For a year we argued, “You can do this, you can do that. There are so many other things that you can be.” There was no peace, there were no happy thoughts. We just disagreed.

Then one night, my son held a paper in his hands. an essay he had written for school. He said, “I have to turn this in tomorrow. I would like you to read it, and then tell me what you think.”

It was titled, “How does the flag influence the teen of today?” (Or something close to that.) So I read this essay.

It talked about how young Americans don’t salute the flag as it goes by, how they don’t respect the men that have died. He talked about the colors, the stripes and the stars, and what they meant. He talked about the men that fought our wars so valiantly. He said so many things and with each word I read, a power – a knowledge — came over me.

My son did not want to go into the military for war mongering. He didn’t want to go and fight for something he knew not. You see, he wanted to join because it was his right. He wanted to join to protect his right of freedom, his right of speech, the knowledge that nowhere else has freedoms such as we.

He thought it was wrong to force people to live as others wanted them to. He wanted to make the world see that the freedoms we have can be shared. He wants a world democracy, where every person on earth should have the freedom to choose what they want to do, where they want to be, how they want to live.

He wanted to speak loud and clear that he wanted to oppress the tyranny, the evilness of the lands, that fought to keep people enslaved in their worlds without rights, without freedoms, that we as Americans take advantage of every day.

I stopped and thought about the men in my family, as far back as I could go, who fought for their military. From Germany, to Ireland, from England to America. They fought for the right to have a better life.

They came here for a better life. And when I look at the flag. I do not just see red, white and blue. I see the blood of my forefathers, I see the white flag of hope, I see the love and strength that gave them voice. I see the courage they had to fight and yet love deeply.

I see the farmers, the bankers, the store owners, the young, the old. I see America. The land of the free, the home of the brave. I see my son, wearing his army greens. His army blues, saluting as the glorious flag of our nation goes by. I see the pride in his eyes, and the courage and bravery that makes him stand tall.

I am not afraid anymore. If the time ever comes, I know in my heart that my son will always come home. I know that I will never lose him. For he fights for this land, this country he loves. And as long as we remember him, he will always be a soldier, my son.

Melissa Beckler , teacher

As a young child, I was schooled in flag etiquette. I was taught how to hang the flag correctly, fold and store it correctly, and never, ever let it touch the ground.

If the flag was out at night, it must be lighted. If the flag was damaged beyond repair, it must be burned. Not burned with anger and disdain as some have done; but burned in a dignified manner.

On the Fourth of July, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day, one of my brothers or I had to get up early and go with our dad to the little village cemetery. He held the map of veterans’ graves, while I carried the little flags and placed them by the headstones.

Dad knew many of the veterans and shared stories. He shared a last name with some vets; those stories were more difficult for him to tell. Before we left, we stopped to look at the tiny flags blowing in the breeze. It was both beautiful and heartrending.

The flag that hung on our porch had just 48 stars. It had no stains or tears and it was cherished by my father. He also had a flag on his casket because he was a veteran of World War II. I held that flag for days and nights after his death.

That beautiful flag that could bring tears to my dad’s eyes holds a great deal of meaning to me. We are blessed to live in this country; however, it seems to me that many, many people are forgetting the sacrifice of those who fought in order for that flag to fly in the breeze.

For instance, Goshen College in Indiana has decided not to play the national anthem at school events. “The Star-Spangled Banner” is considered too violent. I wonder if they’d prefer to fly the Union Jack? Because without the Revolutionary War, the Stars and Stripes wouldn’t exist.

In addition, many neighborhood associations across the country have banned the flying of the American flag. Our flag stands for liberty, but some citizens don’t have the freedom to fly that flag?

There have been lawsuits brought against people who just want to express their love and respect for this country. That, to me, is incredulous.

I feel like the lesson my dad wanted me to learn from my “flag tutelage” is to always be grateful for the gift of liberty for which so many fought. I didn’t do anything to earn that gift; it was given to me by men and women who knew its worth.

Those stars and stripes have covered many caskets of men and women who felt compelled to ensure our rights and freedoms. When we love and respect that flag, we are respecting those who died for our liberty. May it ever wave in our yards, schools, government buildings and hearts.

Mike Jennings , police officer

The American flag has many meanings to many people. There is of course the symbolic meaning in the colors and what virtues they represent and the honor and care in which the flag should be displayed and cared for.

Unfortunately, all too often those standards are not met and we begin to see abuses and misuse of the flag. To some, any use of the flag they see fit is fine. I guess what I am trying to say is the flag and its meaning is subject to each person’s perspective and I guess that is ideally what it should be.

I would hope that you would consider my perspective as a police officer and a veteran. The flag belongs to and represents the people and the principles of this great country.

It is often used by our government to represent its agenda and actions throughout the world, and in recent years it has been used to rally support by wrapping it around the hidden agendas of special interests and influences that control our elected officials and their failed policies.

Fortunately, there are those who still believe in the principles of that flag and are willing to sacrifice all for those principles. They are called soldiers, sailors and airmen of our military and they are truly the best we have amongst us, the most noble profession. They rally to the call for service and place themselves in harm’s way for you and me so that we can be safe to enjoy the freedom they provide.

In the future, when someone decides to abuse or destroy a flag in protest, stop and consider that the flag is yours and it has been paid for by your brothers and sisters in arms. And ask yourself what that flag means to the family of the fallen soldier as they return home wrapped in the very flag they defend.

Take the time to seek out the images of our military cemeteries on  Memorial Day and the endless rows of waving flags placed there by their  fellow soldiers in honor and remembrance of the price they paid. But most of all, recognize that the flag belongs to us and not our government, and that it is a receipt for the price we have paid for the freedoms we enjoy and have provided to others all around this world.

It is our eternal duty to ensure that the flag is not abused or misused. We owe that to those who have sacrificed life, limb and sanity in paying for its cost. So consider those ideas when you feel the flag is a target of your anger.

J. Michael Houston , mayor of Springfield

My favorite thought of an American flag blowing in the breeze is standing atop the Abraham Lincoln Tomb as the Abraham Lincoln Council of the Boy Scouts of America holds its annual pilgrimage.

While the crowds are smaller today, in years past there would be more than 10,000 Boy Scouts standing in front of the tomb, with each troop that was represented holding an American flag. The flag bearers were grouped together in front of the Boy Scouts, which made a magnificent site as hundreds of American flags were blowing in the breeze.

I would stand there in awe as I would think of all the people who have made the ultimate sacrifice since our country’s founding that allows us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. We owe so much to so many for the sacrifices that have been made. It makes me proud to be an American.  

Our flag represents our principles, ideas and values as well as all the good things about our country. It reminds me of how blessed I am to have been born an American. That is what the flag represents to me.

The American flag stands for liberty and pride in our country, a country that gives me the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A country that has allowed me to do anything I was willing to prepare myself to do and was willing to work to accomplish. It means that I am free to make my own choices.

Americans frequently forget how lucky we really are, the opportunities that we have, and the freedoms that we take for granted. The American flag is a reminder of all the privileges that we enjoy on a daily basis.

Our flag stands tall above buildings and spires and reminds us that more than 200 years ago, our forefathers established a nation based upon the freedom to choose our own destiny.

The flag is that symbol, one that allows us to better appreciate all of our freedoms and all of our opportunities that have allowed this country to remain strong.

Neil Williamson , Sangamon County sheriff

My early memory of the flag is when I was around 12 years old and I would intently watch my father proudly display our flag on a country dirt road in Williamsville.

My brothers and I would follow his footsteps and ask in unison if we could help. We loved watching the flag whip in the gusting wind over the fields and giggled when we heard the “pop” the fabric made when it flapped onto itself.  

Dad served in World War II and said the flag represented patriotism. That was a big word to a little boy. He told us “patriotism” meant devotion to country. He broke it down to our level by saying it meant the duty to take care of your family and protect your neighbors.

Mom pointed out the flag many times at the front of the church and told us it represented even more than patriotism; it meant we were free —  free to express ourselves through speech and the freedom of religious worship.

Recently when I went back to the small country church in Williamsville to worship, I saw the flag by the podium and the yellow ribbons tied to the prayer railing for the young men and women serving in the armed forces to protect our freedoms. I thought of momma and her gentle teachings about life and smiled.

Throughout my life, I’ve tried to walk a path in law enforcement to protect and serve. I credit the career decisions I’ve made in large part to the words of my parents and their actions and deeds.

In school we learned to stand tall and place our hand over our heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and we learned about our country’s history. We learned that our freedom did not come without a price, and for many that price was their lives.  

With this being an election year, there will be a lot of talk and speeches about what liberty, freedom and sacrifice mean to people. Through all the buzz and promises made during the election cycle, we will need to exercise our right to vote and vote for the best person to defend our freedom and liberty.

God bless America!

Susan Koch , UIS chancellor

What does the flag mean to me? Any other year but this year I might have answered this question by discussing, as a university’s chancellor probably should, that important purpose of a university education —  the preparation of citizens in a country that needs citizenship.  

But this year when I think about what the flag means to me all I can think about is a woman I know who, like me, is a mother of four.  

We were once neighbors on 19th Street near the university in Cedar Falls, Iowa. My youngest daughter, Rachel, was the Morris family baby sitter for several years. She often brought the children, Molly, Taylor, Riley and toddler Clare, to play at our house.

I always thought the kids looked like little ducklings following along in single file behind her and I was grateful to their mother, Juli, for the positive role model she provided for my rambunctious daughter.

After the kids outgrew the need for baby-sitting, we saw the Morris kids and their parents less often; but we stayed in touch, crossing paths at community events and basketball games and following news of our kids’ high school exploits in the paper.  

I still smile when I think of Juli’s much-anticipated holiday letters — they arrived in a bulging envelope each December — pages of photos and stories catching us up with great enthusiasm on the latest adventures of each member of the family.

Juli is too busy now to know this, but we are in touch once again and I am thinking about her every day.  She is at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Taylor’s girlfriend, Danielle, is sharing with her the writing of daily updates about Taylor on his Caring Bridge web page.

On May 3, Taylor, a 23-year-old Navy EOD — explosives ordinance demolition technician — stepped on a bomb in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, while on patrol. He lost his right leg at the knee, his left leg at mid-thigh, his right arm at the wrist and his left arm at the elbow.

Taylor is one of five members of the American military thus far who have survived the loss of four limbs in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Now like many others I look forward anxiously to a post every day with news from Juli or Danielle about Taylor. Surrounded by his family, his Navy friends and a team of dedicated medical specialists, he is making amazing progress. I am in awe at his courage and determination.

A few weeks ago on Mother’s Day, Juli posted this message: “Today is Mother’s Day and I am blessed. I am blessed because my children are safe.”  

So on this Fourth of July when I think about what the flag means to me, I’ll think about my former neighbor, Taylor’s mom. I’ll be grateful for the service of men and women like Taylor and for the sacrifices of their families.

I’ll send lots of positive energy Taylor’s way as Juli has requested and I’ll, too, be grateful that Juli’s son is safe.

You can read more about Taylor Morris at CaringBridge.org/visit/TaylorMorris .

Judy Baar Topinka, Illinois comptroller

I was taught that the American flag stands for everything great about America. I learned at an early age that the flag stands for the ideals of our nation — things like independence, justice, equality, and most of all, individual freedom.

But more important than the things I’ve learned in a classroom or read in a book is what I have witnessed and experienced over time. For me, the flag is personal.

When I look at the flag I think about the wonderful opportunity that this country provided to all four of my grandparents. They arrived from Eastern Europe and worked to start a small business, own a home and raise a family. Some may mock the “American Dream” as some cliché — but I saw it in action and am forever grateful.

I think about the generations of Americans who have served in our military under the auspices of that flag. I am in awe of their courage and selflessness, and mindful of what it has meant for our nation. My appreciation of that work is also personal as my son, Joseph, serves today under that flag in the U.S. Army — and I couldn’t be prouder.

Finally, I think about how the flag, and what it represents, must never be taken for granted. It is all too easy to pass dozens of flags — on buildings, in hallways, on uniforms — in a given day without giving it a second thought. I make it a point to not let that happen, and proudly hang the flag in front of my home, in my office and on my car to serve as a reminder.

Because ultimately, the flag provides a way for each and every one of us — no matter who we are or what we do — to honor our nation and show appreciation for our nation. It is important to take advantage of that opportunity at every turn, and never forget what it means to be an American.

Stan Zielinski

Old Glory, our beloved American flag … I pledge my allegiance to the flag; I honor it and respect what the flag stands for, and I believe in what it means to me: The American flag represents the true meaning of freedom for all Americans.

The earliest memories of the flag in my young life most likely occurred when I was with my mother who took me shopping with her. As we walked through our neighborhood with me scampering alongside, we’d walk past the local grade school on our way to shop at the bakery, grocery store or market.

Stationed atop a tall pole in the yard of the school was the American flag fluttering in the breeze, and on top was a gold eagle shining in the morning sun. Most likely my natural curiosity about the colorful flag encouraged me to ask my mother what it was, but I’m unable to clearly remember her explanation.

The flag became a part of my life when I entered kindergarten and I learned to say the Pledge of Allegiance with my right hand placed over my heart, along with our daily prayers. Of course I didn’t understand the meaning behind the words I spoke, but I knew they were important because the nun and we students said them every morning before the start of class.

It wasn’t until a couple of years later when I became a Cub Scout (with a flag patch on my sleeve) that I learned the history of the American flag. As a Scout, I was taught to always show respect to the flag by saluting it in the proper Scout fashion with my arm and hand straight with two fingers touching my cap.

As I became a teenager and moved up through high school and the Scouts, I followed the activities of the American military during foreign wars and conflicts and how the troops always carried the flag with them.

Like most kids my age I was awestruck by our military and the stories we heard and the war movies we saw at the local theater that featured actors including our movie hero, John Wayne or Audie Murphy (Medal of Honor, World War II) or some other American hero with the American flag waving in background.

After high school, I entered the Army National Guard, where I learned the proper military protocol and the rituals of facing and saluting in honor of our flag; during the morning raising of the flag to the evening retreat when it was lowered or when I walked past the flag.

Showing respect by saluting the flag helped instill strong, emotional feelings that I still carry to this day. I recall those memories every time I see the flag raised above. I stand at attention and proudly salute the flag for what it represents to me and all Americans: my freedom and privilege to live in America to honor and always pledge my allegiance to our venerated American flag.

Rick Richards

The flag of the United States of America is so intrinsically woven in the fabric of our democracy; one can not speak of country without visualizing our flag.

As a young boy, I looked up at the face of my father and I saw, glittering in the afternoon sun, a tear in his eye while he held his right hand over his heart during the playing of our national anthem. Back then I did not know why he expressed such deep emotion over our flag flying in the breeze, but all I need to know was that my dad respected it.

Today, as a proud grandfather I know beyond a doubt what my father was thinking as he stared at our flag, the symbol of the greatest nation on earth. 

At some past moment in time my dad, Jim, a combat veteran of World War II and I, a disabled combat wounded Vietnam veteran, became as one in our respect and honor of our flag; for we both experienced the sacrifices made by our forefathers to protect our flag so it will always be the symbol of America’s unity and strength as well as a beacon of hope for all the world to see. 

As I reflect on my life and my father’s experiences, I can still recall the pain from my wounds and the heartache in knowing that so many millions throughout the history of our country shed their blood and gave their lives on battlefields around the world to protect our flag and country and ensure freedom to our families.

Our flag as always been revered; during the Civil War nearly one third of the Congressional Medals of Honor earned were awarded to Army and Naval personnel for acts to protect the American flag or for anchoring it in enemy soil during battle.

Whenever I see the flying unfurled colors of our flag, my pride in having served for the principles of a free nation is strengthened, and my thoughts and memories of what our flag represents brings a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. 

I have also shed tears for the selfish acts of those who desecrate our flag simply to bolster their agenda, but I continue to pray for them and I collect resolve in knowing that our sacrifices were for them to also have the freedom symbolic in our flag. My heart goes out to and I salute those who today protect our flag and country.

My flag: “….long may it wave, over the land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.”

Thomas R. Jones

I am now a 60-year-old black man in America who appreciates honoring the flag for the life and hope it has given me. I fully understand the difference between being an American in America and abroad.

The American flag for me is a history that gives reason for the future. It means, for my children, a life of possibilities. It keeps in our memory the people who gave their all fighting under its banner. When I am dead, it will cover my casket and be given to my family as a memorable treasure.

In grammar school, it was the reason I had to say the Pledge of Allegiance in class. I learned through geography classes there were many countries in the world. I knew I lived in America, because of the flag.

In high school, I learned the history of the flag, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, Old Glory and Stars and Stripes. The flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white.

The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The flag of the United States is one of the world’s most widely recognized symbols and our national anthem, one of the few national anthems in the world devoted to a flag

As I grew older, I became more aware of the flag. It was everywhere — school assemblies, sporting events, whenever there was a show of authority. Holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Presidents’ Day, Flag Day, and on Independence Day the America flag was displayed on mail boxes, hung on houses, stuck on cars, attached to thin sticks in yards.

On Memorial Day, small flags are placed by war memorials and next to the graves of U.S. war veterans and fly at half staff until noon, in remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting in U.S. wars.  Our country’s military history is a direct link to the American flag beginning with the struggle for independence by the colonies. The flag represents more than a nation or government policies, it also is an ideal.

The flag became personally even more important to me when I joined the Navy. In the military the American flag is the symbol of their existence, simple cloth that people would fight for and many died for.

I took the oath to serve my country under it. Went to war and put my life on the line serving it. I become part of the tradition that keeps it alive.

In the military, the flag lets others know you represent the America people and you are an American.  It meant home and a place of safety. It meant, you’re not alone.

Mike Walton

I have always been patriotic from my days as a youngster when I rode around on my bike with an American flag flying from the handle bars, to today where I fly Old Glory 24 hours a day, seven days a week, proudly in our front yard.

I had always flown a flag from my home, but several years ago my son Nicholas purchased and had a 25-foot flag pole placed in our yard for me. What a great present that was.

My father was a World War II veteran, and he and my mother were both very patriotic and active in the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, so I suppose I grew up knowing what the flag stood for, how many brave men and women died and sacrificed for it and how each and every American should respect it.

I served in the military and spent a year in Vietnam and came home to a lot of Americans who were unfortunately burning the flag for whatever reason, which I suppose is their right as an American, just don’t do it around me! 

To this day when I watch our Old Glory wave in the wind, or I stand and pay my respect when a flag goes by in a parade, or when I stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance, I still feel a great sense of pride at being an American, an American Legionnaire and an American veteran.

So, whenever you see the symbol of our country flying proudly, remember those who gave so much so all of us could be free and live in the greatest country in the world, and remember to treat that flag with the great respect it deserves.

Mark Denzler

Several months ago, on a cold but sunny day, I stood at the new gravesite of my Uncle Tom Heidenreich as an honor guard played taps and a young soldier on bended knee, while presenting a folded American flag to my aunt, voiced the immortal words designed to assuage grief and bring comfort to families:

“On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to this country and a grateful nation.” 

But what does the American flag mean?  What does it stand for?  When the Continental Congress authorized creation of a seal for the United States in 1776, its mission was to “reflect the beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new nation.”

The 50 stars, symbolizing the states, represent the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripes, symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun represent the 13 original colonies, and the colors red (hardiness and valor), white (purity and innocence), and blue (vigilance, perseverance, and justice) comprise Old Glory today.

The beauty of the iconic Old Glory is that while it represents freedom and American democratic ideals, the real meaning is in the eye of the beholder.

For millions of new immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island, the American flag represented a beacon of hope for a new life, a scenario that continues to play out every day as people chase their hopes and dreams.  When lowered to half-mast, the American flag announces that we have lost a hero who served our country, protecting the very freedom epitomized in the colors of our nation.  Young school children address the flag every day when they say the Pledge of Allegiance to the greatest country on earth.

The American flag, in my mind, is a constant reminder of the sacrifices that hundreds of thousands of Americans have made to protect our democracy and freedoms.

I have the wonderful opportunity to work every day in the state Capitol, and briefly toiled as a young staffer in the halls of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and I love the fact that people have the right to express their views and opinions without fearing repercussions that may include jail or even death in other areas of the world.  

Our flag represents the charity, idealism, ingenuity, heritage, and freedom of a country and its people that continue to serve as an inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Ramona Bersch

The flag is a proud and beloved symbol of all that America stands for, which was originally handed down to all Americans from the colonial period, to be honored and respected for all American generations to come from that time forward.

It would fly wherever America would be represented over land and sea during war and peace, with dignity, for all it would endure when and wherever it would appear.

It instills an enduring feeling of liberty and justice whenever displayed, or when the words are spoken: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

Libby Larkin-Booker

Every time I see the flag I get chills knowing what our ancestors went through beginning these United States, times of war, the depression, etc. 

I also get a “blast” from the past. My grade school principal, Don Bone in Bethany was the most patriotic individual I have ever known.  He taught us not only to respect the flag, but to respect those who fought for us under that flag and each other.  We even had yearly assemblies in the boiler room to properly dispose of the American flag.

When I see a flag flying that is torn and tattered, it makes me sad thinking that possibly those individuals or businesses just don’t care. If you have a torn and/or tattered flag, please take it to your American Legion and they will see to it that it is disposed of in a proper manner. 

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• Human Rights
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what my country means to me 2 Pages 569 Words

             When I think of my county, the United States of America, many different things come to mind. The most important over all thought is that of freedom. There are many different freedoms in the United States. These include the right to bear arms; the right to a quick and speedy trial: due process rights and others as written into our body of laws. These freedoms can spur other rights and abilities to make free choices. This can include the freedom to have as many children as you want to have. The two freedoms that I consider most important, because they are more foundational, are the freedom of speech and freedom of religion.              Foundational freedoms tend to allow other rights and freedoms to build from them. The freedom of speech entails our right to be able to express our opinions on any subject that we want. This goes hand in hand with our right to peaceful assembly and freedom of the press. Thus, we can express our free speech in public or in writing. Because we have this freedom, we can the individuals have the right to express their views when in agreement or disagreement with the majority. The loss of this freedom would send the U.S. into a time where the will of a few people would dictate the decision making of an entire nation. Often people think that one person's views cannot make a difference. Often, that may be the case. However, it is the fundamental free to be able to express our view that is so valuable. It is not that you always get your way, but that you can, openly in public, have, without a threat of sanctions, express your view. There is always a minority view on major issues. People just tend to see things differently at times. Knowledge and education come from the ability to test different methods. Through our expression, we can share our ideas and allow for growth and development of better solutions within government. The freedom of speech is a cornerstone for our country.              I feel that the freedom of religi...

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My Country Essay

India has such a deep history and culture that one will become lost in its beauty while looking for it. India is a nation renowned for its cultural richness, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. Here are a few sample essays on the topic ‘My Country’.

100 Words Essay On My Country

Indian culture plays a significant role in people's lives. With its vibrant culture, cuisine, history, and traditions, it makes people's lives happier. Despite the fact that it is recognised as the birthplace of Buddhism and Hinduism, all people of all faiths coexist harmoniously in this region. People fall head over heels in love with India's diverse cuisine and spices, which are famous worldwide. Along with the well-known Taj Mahal, it features amazing architecture and monuments. It has given the world many things, like ayurveda, zero, yoga, and many others. The diverse set of values distinguishes India from other countries of the world.

200 Words Essay On My Country

India, also known as Hindustan, is the biggest democracy in the world. It is a secular and democratic country, meaning that the citizens of India have the right to vote in choosing their leaders. India is known as a country with "Unity in diversity". It means that people with different cultures and traditions speaking different languages live together. India is bounded in the north by the snow-capped Himalayas and in the south by Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean. In the east by the Bay of Bengal and in the west by the Arabian Sea.

India shares its borders with countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world. It has been recorded as the second most populous country after China.

India has immensely contributed to the fields of literature and science. Authors like Rabindranath Tagore, Ruskin Bond, Kiran Desai and many more have contributed largely to Indian literature. In the field of science, India made advancements in nuclear physics, astrophysics and so on. India attracts tourists due to its rich heritage and beautiful climate. India today is striving to become a global leader and a force to be reckoned with.

500 Words Essay On My Country

India is my motherland and I recognise myself as an Indian before anything else. India is also known as ‘Bharat’ and ‘Hindustan’, it is the biggest democracy in the world. It is known for its vast diversity and rich culture. India is one of the world's oldest civilisations, dating back over 4000 years. India is home to many renowned artists, chivalrous warriors and leaders who have contributed largely to making India what it is today.

Political Scenario | 'Unity in diversity' is the best phrase to explain the vast diversity present in our country. People of various cultures, speaking different languages, reside in India. India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic with a parliamentary government. This means that a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister advises the President, the constitutional head of the country. Indians elect their leaders and are free to do anything they desire but under the confines of the law.

Indian History | India's history is divided into ancient, medieval, and modern history. The ancient period began in prehistoric times and ended in the Gupta period. The Middle Ages began in the Post Gupta period and ended with the arrival of the Europeans. From 1858 to 1947, the British ruled India and were exploiting its rich culture and wealth, leading to extreme poverty among the Indians. Then started the Modern period, which was marked by the advent of new technologies, discoveries and ideas.

India's Beauty | India is a country with beautiful landmarks and heritage. Each state of India has its history. Some of the famous landmarks of India are the Taj Mahal, the Jagannath Temple, the Gateway of India, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, the golden temple, the Sanchi Stupa and so on. There are several tourist attractions in India which people visit during their holidays. Kashmir, Puri, Darjeeling, Kerala, Shillong, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar island are some of those.

Technological Advancements | India is not lagging behind anymore when it comes to technological advancements and science. India has immensely contributed to science and technology in the past few years. Technology has played an important role in boosting India's economy. The growth in this field ponders on the evolution of Indian scientific research. India has contributed on the grounds of astronomy, nuclear physics, astrophysics and many more. Indians take immense pride in their country for its rich diversity and aims to preserve India's heritage.

India During Pandemic

India has the second-largest population in the world and yet it managed the COVID-19 pandemic admirably with its vaccines Covaxin and CoverShield, which protected everyone from the deadly virus. India put a lot of effort towards developing the domestic market with all the Covid-19-related supplies during the pandemic.

India introduced the following protocols and procedures to effectively handle the pandemic situation—

India introduced early bidding procedures and quality assurance protocols.

Efficient supply chain management system was established based on computerised models that help predict cases and hospitalisations, including interprovincial oxygen and intensive care unit requirements based on epidemiological trends.

Expeditious and quality-assured move of COVID products to government e-procurement sites was established which enabled states to access these products at competitive prices without going through a bidding process.

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The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Geotechnical engineer

The role of geotechnical engineer starts with reviewing the projects needed to define the required material properties. The work responsibilities are followed by a site investigation of rock, soil, fault distribution and bedrock properties on and below an area of interest. The investigation is aimed to improve the ground engineering design and determine their engineering properties that include how they will interact with, on or in a proposed construction. 

The role of geotechnical engineer in mining includes designing and determining the type of foundations, earthworks, and or pavement subgrades required for the intended man-made structures to be made. Geotechnical engineering jobs are involved in earthen and concrete dam construction projects, working under a range of normal and extreme loading conditions. 

Cartographer

How fascinating it is to represent the whole world on just a piece of paper or a sphere. With the help of maps, we are able to represent the real world on a much smaller scale. Individuals who opt for a career as a cartographer are those who make maps. But, cartography is not just limited to maps, it is about a mixture of art , science , and technology. As a cartographer, not only you will create maps but use various geodetic surveys and remote sensing systems to measure, analyse, and create different maps for political, cultural or educational purposes.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Product Manager

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Operations manager.

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Bank Probationary Officer (PO)

Investment director.

An investment director is a person who helps corporations and individuals manage their finances. They can help them develop a strategy to achieve their goals, including paying off debts and investing in the future. In addition, he or she can help individuals make informed decisions.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

An expert in plumbing is aware of building regulations and safety standards and works to make sure these standards are upheld. Testing pipes for leakage using air pressure and other gauges, and also the ability to construct new pipe systems by cutting, fitting, measuring and threading pipes are some of the other more involved aspects of plumbing. Individuals in the plumber career path are self-employed or work for a small business employing less than ten people, though some might find working for larger entities or the government more desirable.

Construction Manager

Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.

Urban Planner

Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities. 

Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Naval Architect

A Naval Architect is a professional who designs, produces and repairs safe and sea-worthy surfaces or underwater structures. A Naval Architect stays involved in creating and designing ships, ferries, submarines and yachts with implementation of various principles such as gravity, ideal hull form, buoyancy and stability. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Veterinary Doctor

Pathologist.

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Speech Therapist

Gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

Hospital Administrator

The hospital Administrator is in charge of organising and supervising the daily operations of medical services and facilities. This organising includes managing of organisation’s staff and its members in service, budgets, service reports, departmental reporting and taking reminders of patient care and services.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Videographer

Multimedia specialist.

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Linguistic meaning is related to language or Linguistics which is the study of languages. A career as a linguistic meaning, a profession that is based on the scientific study of language, and it's a very broad field with many specialities. Famous linguists work in academia, researching and teaching different areas of language, such as phonetics (sounds), syntax (word order) and semantics (meaning). 

Other researchers focus on specialities like computational linguistics, which seeks to better match human and computer language capacities, or applied linguistics, which is concerned with improving language education. Still, others work as language experts for the government, advertising companies, dictionary publishers and various other private enterprises. Some might work from home as freelance linguists. Philologist, phonologist, and dialectician are some of Linguist synonym. Linguists can study French , German , Italian . 

Public Relation Executive

Travel journalist.

The career of a travel journalist is full of passion, excitement and responsibility. Journalism as a career could be challenging at times, but if you're someone who has been genuinely enthusiastic about all this, then it is the best decision for you. Travel journalism jobs are all about insightful, artfully written, informative narratives designed to cover the travel industry. Travel Journalist is someone who explores, gathers and presents information as a news article.

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

Merchandiser.

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Metallurgical Engineer

A metallurgical engineer is a professional who studies and produces materials that bring power to our world. He or she extracts metals from ores and rocks and transforms them into alloys, high-purity metals and other materials used in developing infrastructure, transportation and healthcare equipment. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

ITSM Manager

Information security manager.

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

Business Intelligence Developer

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What Freedom Means to Me

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.