We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their uniquely American stories, we invite you to watch selections that moved us.
Through hard work and perseverance, Mila Apostol created the little store that could.
A refugee survivor, Derreck Kayongo is saving the world, one bar of soap at a time.
A harrowing escape from Iran, a fight for freedom, and the little bakery that could.
A bi-lateral amputee, Rachel leads her teammates with a truly inspiring attitude.
Pushing the limits of pickling by bringing lots of taste to the traditional mason jar.
Aaron Dworkin brings classical music to the inner city, and opens up a world of possibilities.
Anne Mahlum starts a running program that helps homeless men reclaim their lives.
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
Some call air guitar part perf. art, pro wrestling and rock’n’roll. Whatever it is, it sure is fun.
An Iraq War veteran, James talks about surviving a suicide attack and serving our country.
She talks about coming over from Italy as a child and the chances America has given her.
She’s following in grandfather’s footsteps, paying it forward, and living up to her good name.
Her parents left Albania so she could grow up with the freedom to live out her “American Dream.”
A 1st grade teacher talks about teaching the Pledge of Allegiance to her students.
The father of entertainer Beyonce, he talks of the importance of reaching for your dreams.
She raised nine children and talks about overcoming adversity and following your dreams.
As devoted parents, they provided a safe and loving environment for over 40 foster babies.
She shares her ancestors’ sacrifices and struggles for the freedoms we enjoy in America.
Inspired by wounded soldiers, he’s in med school training to become a doctor in the U.S. Army.
Julie Smith & Joyce Hogan have served our nation through their husbands’ military service.
They adpoted two children from Russia and share how the experience changed their lives.
Vietnam Vet who talks about how service changed his life and his feeling for this country.
He compares football to unity and talks about the importance of America coming together.
She’s a 3rd generation American who talks of fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers.
A Vietnam Vet, Anthony talks about surviving a vicious attack, and the costs of freedom.
The couple talks about raising their kids and the freedoms we cherish in this country.
A teacher who credits her ancestors for giving us the freedoms we share in this country.
A Cuban American who talks about how her father risked his life to bring his family here.
Married for 52 years, they talk about growing up and raising a family in a small town.
He came from India to become an engineer and is currently applying for U.S. citizenship.
The award winning country music group talks about performing for the troops in Iraq.
Thank you is never enough to any of our armed forces for keeping us safe. We can go to bed at night and rise the next morning knowing we are safe. I don’t think we as citizens stop and realize what this means.
GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA
[...] one one… From that new site Real American Stories: Tom Clarke, Ken Krimstein and Gary Szabo. (these are touching [...]
I have a great respect for firefighters. I think they are amazing and brave for what they do to save the lives of so many people, even if it means losing their own lives. I was only like, 12 or 13, but I watched the news every day with my parents after 9/11. It was a horrible day, and I know that there are still people missing loved ones. Workers from that building and brave firefighters that died left behind people to grieve their deaths, and it never should have happened. I am only 16 years old, but I know that what happened that day should never happen again.
Thank you Gary for your courage, bravery and sharing your story. Every day you risk your life for ours and i thank GOD that you are alive .
I don’t have any relatives or friends who were killed on that day, but I can feel the pain, sorrow & loss that they are going through.
Unfortunately, this present administration doesn’t care about the future of our country and the safety of all americans.
I salute all New York Firefighters……..THE FINEST AND BRAVEST OF ALL!
Gary, Miserable words to those who gave all and Miserable comforters are we Americans, God bless.
Thank you Gary for sharing your story. Thank you for your courage and service as a firefighter. Your eyewitness account of this terrorist act is a reminder to us all that there are very real enemies to our country and it’s citizens. September 11th is so much more that a “day of service”. Every September 11th should be a day of Rememberance – remembering the thousands of innocent victims who were murdered by terrorists because of the hatred that terrorists have against America and Americans. September 11th should be a day of Honor – honoring the many brave men and women who risked their own lives to save others. September 11th should be a day of Courage – remembering that freedom is not free, and it is the courage of our brave men and women in the military who are defending this country against terrorism.
We will never forget.
Gary,
May God Bless you and keep you. Thank you for sharing your story and most of all your service.
Please know that you and all firefighters, those lost and those still with us are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Gary,
God bless you and all 1st responders, not just for your service that day, but for all days. As we run away, you are running in. You are heros every day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Gary,
Thnks for sharing your story. God Bless your and all Fire Fighters for their services,
Thank you Gary, for your story and your service. That was an unbelieveable day that still invokes sorrow. Unfortunately, I don’t think our present government realizes what happened and what still may happen in the future. Terrorists, if I may use that term, Madam Secretary, want to kill Americans, not sit down with a cup of coffee and talk peace. The United States of America is a special country based on human rights and freedom. To change and weaken democracy would be a loss for all humanity.
i was with all american in not believing what was going on. thank god you were spared and can share your story. i willalways pray for all of you and the firefighter that are gone. thank you so much for all you do.
Gary,
I fell that every American should have to stand at the site of ground zero for 30 minutes and visit the chapel there where so many went in the days after 9/11. How have so many forgoten what happened? I fear that those in power are showing a weakness to the world that will be seen as a sign to attack us again. Our borders are wide open. How many have already come into the country and are even now waiting for the orders to set another horrific attack into motion. Washington as it is today has a lala land attitude toward those that want only to destroy us. Will it take another attack for the politicians to get it? I hope and pray not. Too many innocent and brave people died that day. We must do everthing to prevent another tradgedy.