As I get out of my car, I start my trek inside. Beside me are hundreds of others, striving to do the same thing I am going to do. To my left is an African American couple leaving, proudly wearing the “I voted sticker,” and strutting with confidence. To my right are two men, debating amiably about the two presidential candidates. People of all races, religions, creeds, and sexual orientations all getting together to do one task. Why do this?

Freedom. Soldiers walking across a golden desert, with a raggedy camouflage bag on their backs. Clearwater, driving to the beach on a beautiful summer night. Walking to Ms. Ramirez’s house, playing with her kids at the park on a brisk, rainy day. Wearing a hijab with sandals, and going to go grab an ice cream cone before work.

Patriotism. Children’s laughter echoing through the streets at the 4th of July parade. Luminescent grains of red, white and blue with thousands down below enjoying the show. Stars and stripes of our flag blowing ambitiously in the bitterly cold winter wind. Tears falling down the cheek of Mrs. Smith’s face as our stars and stripes get presented at her son’s grave.

Rights. Rosa Parks standing her ground on a simple bus ride. Thousands of people listening to the immortal famous words, “I have a dream.” March on Washington, passionate Americans alike. Thirty-nine men, all who signed the constitution with the same vision of prosperity. Columbus on the Santa Maria, discovering America after weeks at sea.

Fifteen minutes have passed, and as I retreat back to my car, I too am proud to wear that sticker on my heart. That sticker represents what it means to be an American, no matter who you are or where you came from. It represents a bright future, thrilling experiences for my children, and for theirs as well. It represents millions of brave people before us, fighting to get what we have now. It represents freedom, patriotism, and rights.