James Simpkins, 27, Kettering, staff sergeant and recruiter, U.S. Air Force, and who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan
“I work with a lot of people who aren’t from this country. They come here, and it’s like, their eyes get huge, metaphorically. The opportunity is completely open for them. And the freedom that we have to be or do whatever we want to do and not have oppressive government telling us that women can’t drive, or we can have only one child. It’s just freedom and opportunity.”
John Dells, 47, Troy, senior software developer
“It means being a citizen in a country that has the best system, better freedoms than any other.”
Barb Sager, 57, West Chester Twp., attorney
“We’re the most free people in the world, you know? We’re part of the best country. And the Fourth of July goes along with Veterans Day, Memorial Day and everything else, which is: Give thanks to everybody who made that possible.”
Paul Arnold, 36, Greenville, senior planner
“It means I have a lot of opportunities. I have a lot of wealth that I probably take for granted. I’m thinking about the things that I complain about or the things that may depress us — they are so ridiculous compared to what some people have to live with every day, like people who are living in fear for their lives. For the most part, we have security. I have security, at least.”
Jessica Roller, 35, Kettering, artist
“Being American has given me the freedom and the right to care for my family, and it has given me the opportunity to have our own business and promote patriotism. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to create patriotism in our business. The Fourth of July gives us the opportunity to celebrate our freedom and give thanks for our veterans.”
Karen Kurtz, 69, Englewood, owner of Creative Flags, Banners and Poles
“It means we get to live our freedom and being able to express ourselves. Freedom from racism, freedom from being judged. Being American means freedom.”
Rannetta Harris, 23, Dayton, college student
“Working here, we don’t feel like we’re an immigrant. People are very friendly. We really enjoy the Fourth of July. When football (soccer) is going on, we cheer the USA. It just feels like home, and it has for a long time.”
Praksh Singh, 39, immigrant from India, Miamisburg, database developer
“It’s a land of opportunity, and given the chance, we can do a lot more. There’s a lot more freedom here. I love the culture, and I like the policies. The opportunities are great.”
Vivek Komar Maurya, 32, immigrant from India, Miamisburg, data analyst
About the Author
