I heard this Sunday in a class at church. I just wish more people knew what it meant. What does it mean to you?

I do not choose to be a common man It is my right to be uncommon… If I can. I seek opportunity… Not security.

I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state
to dream and build, to fail and succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence Nor my dignity for a hand out. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud, and unafraid; to think and act for myself; enjoy the benefits of my creations; and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done with my own hand, I am a man. I am an American.