What Does It Mean to Be an American, Part II?
Preserving liberty through responsibility and shared purpose.
Hello friend!
In 1783, at the end of the Revolutionary War, George Washington faced a pivotal moment that could have changed the course of history.
Frustration among the officers of the Continental Army had reached a boiling point at Newburgh, New York.
The soldiers had gone unpaid, and there was talk of marching on Congress or even establishing a military dictatorship.
Some even suggested that Washington take power as king.
A Defining Moment in American Character
Washington, however, stood firm against these ideas. He called a meeting with his officers and gave a heartfelt speech, urging them to remain loyal to the ideals for which they had fought.
At a key moment, he pulled out a pair of glasses—something no one had ever seen him wear in public —and acknowledged his own struggles, saying, “I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”
This simple act of humility moved his officers deeply.
Many wept, and their resolve to follow Washington’s example was restored.
By refusing power and reaffirming his commitment to liberty and the fledgling republic, Washington demonstrated what it means to be an American.
He chose not personal gain, but the principles of self-government and shared purpose.
Washington’s choice at Newburgh exemplifies the American balance between liberty and responsibility. His actions remind us that greatness is found not in power, but in humility, virtue, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good.
Living the American Spirit at Home
Think about your family dinner table. When you discuss current events or make decisions about family responsibilities, you’re teaching your children that freedom comes with responsibility.
Every time you guide them to understand how their actions affect others, you’re showing them what it truly means to be an American.
Liberty is not just a right; it’s a responsibility that connects individual choices to the greater good.
The Founders knew that liberty, without the grounding of virtue, risks stability as individuals pursue their own desires without regard for the common good.
Duty imposed without freedom becomes oppression, as individuals are stripped of the dignity and agency necessary to resist tyranny.
They created a system based on shared principles and individual responsibility, not group identity or blind loyalty.
This wisdom teaches us that true freedom flourishes when individuals act virtuously—not because they’re forced to, but because they see the value in choosing what is right.
Learning from Our History
Being an American means understanding the story of our nation—its triumphs and its struggles.
Our history is filled with moments of courage and innovation but also times when we fell short of our ideals. Teaching your children both sides of this story shows them that while America isn’t perfect, it is always a work in progress.
Acknowledging our past mistakes strengthens our love for this country by deepening our commitment to its founding ideals.
By learning from history, your children become part of shaping a brighter future.
Balancing Freedom and Responsibility
At its core, being an American is about balancing individual liberty with a shared vision, goals, and purpose.
When you help your children pair freedom with responsibility—by leading a family project, participating in community service, or simply making thoughtful choices—you show them that liberty shines brightest when it serves others as well as ourselves.
Consider the ways this plays out in your community. When you volunteer at a food bank, speak at a school board meeting, or organize a neighborhood event, you demonstrate this balance in action.
These small acts show your children that freedom isn’t just about rights; it’s also about responsibilities.
Cherishing Freedom and Opportunities
Being an American means cherishing the freedom and opportunities our country offers.
These freedoms—hard-won and easily lost—give us the ability to shape our futures and pursue our dreams. But with these opportunities comes the responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations.
Teach your children gratitude for these freedoms.
Help them see that liberty is not guaranteed—it’s something we must work to maintain.
By cultivating this understanding, you equip them to carry on the legacy of American ideals.
Informed Patriotism and Hope
Patriotism isn’t blind allegiance. It’s a love for our country rooted in knowledge, responsibility, and action.
By teaching your children about informed patriotism, you help them see that loving America means striving to improve it, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s worth preserving for posterity and future generations.
Show your children how to take pride in America’s ideals while acknowledging its imperfections.
This balance of pride and hope inspires them to take ownership of the freedoms and responsibilities they inherit.
The Legacy of Being an American
What it means to be an American is not just an identity—it’s a calling.
It’s about living out the values of freedom, responsibility, and opportunity and passing those ideals on to the next generation. As parents, your role in this legacy is critical.
Through everyday conversations, choices, and examples, you are raising citizens who will carry forward the promise of liberty.
Washington’s choice at Newburgh reminds us that American greatness comes from understanding the balance between individual freedom and collective purpose.
By teaching your children this truth, you’re not just preserving your family’s future—you’re renewing the promise of our Republic for generations to come.
Thanks for reading!
Best,
David,
Founder, The Civics Academy