Millions of stories exist of immigrants who came to live the American dream.

America was the answer to declaring individual independence from a governmental or economic system that did not meet their aspirations of a life of liberty and freedom.

As a first-generation Texan, I grew up learning and yearning for everything Texas. It’s in my blood. It’s who we are. There is a Texas pride that is the envy of everyone who is not.

A teen at the time when our country celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976, I was inspired and electrified. The spirit of America burrowed deep in my soul. I collected everything red, white and blue. And I grew to love and respect “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Today I fly “Old Glory” with pride. I don my patriotic clothes and accessories on national holidays and observances. And I listen to patriotic music of past and present. I pause and wonder why every American does not. What happened? How could other Americans not share the same passion for our great nation?

I suppose the love of country must have transferred somehow to something else such as a love for sports teams, music bands, games, hobbies – anything other than the love and passion for our country.

There’s no time left, it seems. I believe we live in the most generous, loving, caring and hospitable country in the world.

I may be looking at my home, my state and my country through rose-colored glasses, but if I could, I would like to challenge one patriotic person in every neighborhood to talk to others in the community to display the flag – especially on the 4th of July – at home and at work.

Get that spirit of America back in our lives.

I’m hopeful for the future, though. Each weekday during “News 10 This Morning” on KWTX-TV, a classroom of elementary students and their teachers recite the Pledge of Allegiance. How refreshing to hear the same words I recited when I was in grade school.

I hope others will be moved to stand and proudly pledge allegiance to our flag, our country and our pride. After all, many have fought for our right to do so. Many still serve. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

I hope everyone will be able to be inspired, and electrify other compatriots to dig deep down to recall and understand the true meaning of the words – “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

After all, it is an expression of allegiance to these United States of America that we all enjoy during our individual pursuits of happiness.