(06-16-2020, 05:20 PM)mikesez Wrote:

(06-16-2020, 02:41 PM)americus 2.0 Wrote:  Proud: a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

Thankful: conscious of benefit received.

If I go by the definition of 'proud' I'd say I'm not proud to be an American per se. I am proud to have served in the Army for my country though, and any other positive contribution I've made to my community through volunteer work and donating to charities.

I am thankful to be an American. I have benefited from being born and raised here. People literally die for the chance to live here.

My personality probably has something to do with the pride thing too. And age. I'm finding that as I get older the things I used to get fired up about I am now more low key. 

As for everyone else, I don't care about their level of pride as an American, I care about how thankful they are. Again, a personality thing. 

I couldn't agree more.  I'm very thankful to live where I live, when I live, and have the friends and society I have.  I'm grateful to anyone who put their life on the line to make that possible.