What America Means to Me

When you think of America, what comes to mind? Purple mountain majesties. Amber waves of grain. Perhaps you conjure up a vision of the Statue of Liberty, the American flag being raised atop Iwo Jima, or the Liberty bell, ringing freedom from tyranny, oppression, and intolerance. We are a nation built upon a strong notion of self identity, secure in our belief that there are no rights more inalienable than life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

More than anything, America is its people. Strong, resolute, and, above all else, free. Following that sometimes elusive American dream, and willing to share it, unconditionally, with the hungry, the tired, the wretched of the world, extending that torch, and open arms, to everyone yearning to be free.

And in a nation whose people are its greatest resource, community is the most fundamental building block of freedom. For it is community which brings us all together, giving moment to our thoughts, providing a staging ground for our ideas, and allowing every resident, regardless of background, religion, race, or opinion, to speak his or her mind, and to have that voice heard.

Without community -- and people intimately involved in the day to day of that community -- there can be no freedom, and there would be no America. Community -- the great American hometown -- is what ties us together as a nation.

Never before in the history of our great nation was community as important as it is today. And today, like never before, your community needs your active participation. We must stand together, shoulder to shoulder. We must unite to assure that our freedoms, and our rights as Americans, are protected. We must remain committed to the community building process, so essential in keeping America's hometowns strong, vibrant, and free.

Today, fellow West Hempsteaders, your country, your community, calls. Our nation needs you. Our community needs you. Our Civic Association needs you. Today, we ask you -- each of you -- to renew your dedication to community by joining your neighbors, and your Civic Association, in a moment of reflection. Take the time to mourn, to grieve, to build strength for the difficult days ahead. And then, let's get on with the work of community. There is still so much to be done.

May God bless America, our West Hempstead, and a people who understand that the foundations of freedom are built on the soil of community.

Seth D. Bykofsky

President

West Hempstead Civic Association

(The Civic Association will hold a Town Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 PM (West Hempstead Middle School Cafeteria.)