We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses we received. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their unique and inspiring American stories.
Fast and furious, this American tradition features tiny tots riding woolly wonder beasts.
Jamie Poindexter’s drumline is bringing together a tough neighborhood with a joyful beat.
A barista gives a kidney to a complete stranger, giving her the ultimate pick-me-up.
Raised by migrant farm workers, Jose Hernandez used hard work and a big heart to reach the stars.
Monica Haslip’s afterschool program is creating artists and serious entrepreneurs.
Michael Reagan and his Fallen Heroes Project provides closure for the families left behind.
This shoe shine man is changing the world through his Clean Water Foundation.
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.
Some call air guitar part perf. art, pro wrestling and rock’n’roll. Whatever it is, it sure is fun!
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.
Aaron Dworkin brings classical music to the inner city, and opens up a world of possibilities.
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.
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 adopted 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 for sharing your stories…….We will never forget…9/11/2001
Thank you for sharing your story, so many of us were physically so far away but of course our hearts were there. May we never forget, please tell your story forever.
Always remind us of our loss…….God bless you and your family…..Mary Colbert
Ken,
Thank you for your words…
Soulful question – “Why is freedom so threatening?”…
God bless those we lost on 9/11/01.
DG
Hi My name is Geoff Ritchie. You may have seen my birthmark story on the discovery channel and though I enjoyed the experience of being taped I was very disappointed to have that be the reason to be known. Though I have grown up that way that is life and I move on. As far as the 9/11 thing goes I saw that happen from A window in Jersey on a vacation. I was about to head down there and was protected by the hand of God. It was very disappointing to me to see that someone could hate the United States that much. I think it has to do with our Christian heritage and the Muslims HATE that. It is too bad that that is the case. It all goes back to a story in Christs Holy Word where to brothers fought and one took Israel’s Side namely Jacob, The other took this side. It is found in the Bible in Genesis 27.
I appreciate Mr. Krimstein’s equating Freedom as an indicator of the highest evolution of a society. Well said.
“PATRIOTS UNITE,,,,,,NEVER FORGET”
Thank you for your story. I am so happy, and fortunate to live in this country. 9/11 made me much more patriotic. I wish I hadn’t gone through this period of history to make me become this way.
Ken,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on 9/11 and how you reacted that day.
I am especially struck by your statement of “not thinking about flying the American flag.”
Boy, that GOT to me!
I served in the US Navy 4 years (in the 70′s) and I am very patriotic, but I’ve never taken the time to raise a flag outside my home. That’s gonna change NOW.
Stay safe, and thanks again!
Well said Ken. If only we wouldn’t forget how we came together. To look at where we all are now it seems impossible we were ever together. Thank you for your story
To True! Highest evolved civilation, NO GOOD ANSWER. Freedom is not Free.