Being an American means to live free or die.  It means we the people have a government, not the other way around. Being an American means you have the will to fight tyranny and vigorously defend your rights.  And when the going gets tough, Americans get tougher.  Americans don’t live on their knees, they stand on their own two feet. We are not perfect, but we are not ashamed.

 

   America leads where others follow.  Through precept and example, America extends her hand of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.  We, as Elks, shall always remain as shining examples of these American ideals.  We never turn our backs on the downtrodden as we are quick to aid those in distress.

 

   As Americans, we honor those who fought and bled for our rights and our way of life.  As America’s enemies fight to destroy all that we hold dear, we must be ever vigilant to defend ourselves.  Those who came before us gave us this gift of liberty.  We owe it to ourselves and to our posterity to preserve this blessing.

   America is the Grand Canyon, Coca-Cola, baseball, going to the moon, Harley-Davidsons, rock n roll, and barbeque.  This is the land of limitless opportunity.  I’m proud tonight to be in the company of the Best People On Earth. Americans! God bless you and God bless America!