We The People

What does it mean to be an American?

Many attempts have been made to answer this question. Each American that you meet will give you their own perspective based on their understanding of the question. Are we called Americans because our country is located on the continent of North America? Does that make Mexicans and Canadians Americans as well?

The Declaration of Independence says..."We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." [Emphasis added]

The Gettysburg Address says..."It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." [Emphasis added]

Who did the founders of this nation define as an American? Who do you think is American?