In the early 1920s, my dad came to America from Italy by way of Ellis Island. He, like many other immigrants, was in search of freedom and opportunity. He wanted so much to be free and to be an American. As a boy, I can remember my dad requiring everyone in the family to stand at attention every time the National Anthem was played.

Now, at the dawn of a new century, I, too, am so proud to be an American. I am proud because of people like my dad who gave so much because so much was given to him. America was built by pioneers and hard-working people. We are a self-made nation created by self-made individuals who understood right from wrong and stood up for what they believed.

In the short 200+ years this great country has been in existence, America has conquered the frontier as well as those boundaries related to commerce and technology. When there was another boundary, space, to conquer, Americans landed on the moon. All of this was possible because of the freedoms and opportunities gained by living in America.

I am proud to be an American because of the Founding Fathers, my dad, and all those who worked and fought so hard for me. We recognize America is not perfect, and we continue to work on opportunities to strengthen and improve the nation.

On this Fourth of July, we must remember just how fortunate we are to be Americans. To my dad I say, "Thank you!"

Angelo G. Coppola, Sr. is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a doctorate in public school administration. He has served as a teacher, principal, superintendent of school, Arkansas State Department of Education employee, and presently is the Deputy Director for the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System. A retired Naval Officer and a member of the Executive Board for the Quapaw Council Boy Scouts of America, Dr. Coppola is also a Past Master and presently the Secretary of Albert Pike Lodge No. 714 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a member of the York Rite and began serving as the Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of Arkansas in February 2001.