A simple answer to a simple question

Last week one of my friends posed an interesting question on Twitter to which I immediately felt compelled to respond.

The tweet, in essence, asked why it was important for the United States to be the best nation in the world.

I'd always been taught America is the greatest country on Earth, which it is, but I don't think I'd ever really thought about why that distinction was important.

It turns out I didn't need to.

When I began to respond to my friend's question, my answer came to me easily.

The United States is the world's picture of liberty. It is the nation of freedom, and if we didn't have the best resources, we may not be able to protect our freedom from those who wish to rob us of it.

Freedom is the reason the tired, the poor and the huddled masses longed to come to America all those years ago, and still do today. America presents a greater opportunity for people to make a better life for themselves than any other place on the face of the planet.

The United States didn't get to be the best by accident, either. She was blessed by God, and born from a spirit of unrelenting patriotism and perseverance.

When Japanese planes bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, they hoped to cripple the U.S. but instead called her to action. The events of Sept. 11 brought America pain and grief, but they also brought her together.

The United States is far from perfect, but it is powerful. With that power comes the responsibility to protect the things we have been blessed with so future generations may enjoy the same freedoms we hold dear.

Our way of life is precious. Our rights are precious. Every one of them was and is made possible by the service, sacrifice and blood of men and women from Valley Forge to Iraq and Afghanistan.

They gave everything to ensure we, our way of life and our freedoms are protected.

We enjoy the blessings we have because they paid the price for them.

The men and women who have fought and died to defend this nation throughout its history have not done so in vain. They did so because of their love for America and all she stands for.

That is why. That is why it is necessary for America to be the best nation in the world, bar none.

We must always strive to be the best because they gave their best.