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.
Great information, Thank you so much
It took me some time just to reply the clip, it so nice to see u sir encourage other father also to do the same. but in all thing we are more than a conqueror b’se greater his He that His in us than he is outside the world, we need to have dad’s in our life’s.any one can be father but not any one can be a dad like your are sir. thanks a lot sent wars greeting to all.
Paul.
Patricia Martin I think you are a great American , and send you hugs to warm your hart keep up the good fight
This seems to be a terrificway to allow indivivuals tojoin in conversation. or just simply to recognize and similarity of interest in something!!
Dear Sire, Madam, dear citizens of America,
Where ever our ancestors came from,
God is our Leader!
God is our Trust!
In God we have Justice!
Let us make the world a Better World
for You and for Me!
Greetings and Take Care,
Jurgen R. Brul
How can I get my story to you?
My American dream is to overcome my past obstacles and move on to be the smart, successful woman that I know I can be. Continue to be a great mother and wife and to support my family in all ways. I also pray for our new President and his family and our wonderful troops serving this country!! And lastly, to put God in the for front of my life. I will let him guide to me down all of my paths to greatness!!!
I’m not American. But I dream and I am inspired by this. I will be a successful writer.
How do I send email to Joe Dannenbaum?
This is a very herat felt story, and I praise your accomplisments and family values. you are what every child, son or daughter needs in this world, at this
time. I will use this testimoinial as my personal goal. This is what all African
American men should thrive for, a better tomorrow. The overcoming of life’s
struggles and adversities, You have the strength and heart of a lion. Thanks
for sharing this story.
This is an awesome story. I have dreams. I won’t quit either. Let’s keep pressing on.
I wish i had an american dream… (i love my continent….Africa) but my joy is to know that we are not defined by our race, religion, character or creed but by what we have up in our head and hearts…. my dream is to see peace and freedom in the world today, no wars no bitterness….. just happiness
I overcame the constant barrage of people telling me you cant do it, the cards are stacked against you. All the walls that quitters and losers put in front of you to make excuses for not achieving their dreams. ou know what, if I can do it, anyone can..
great story
THIS IS MY AMERICAN DREAM, TO OVER COME CHILD ABUSE, GRADUATE WITH A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE, TO OVER COME DIVORCE AND BECOME A SINGLE BLACK WOMAN WITH TO CHILDREN RAISED AND ARE NOW ADULTS, TO OVER COME MY ONLY SON WHO WAS SHOT IN COLLEGE, LEFT WITH A BULLET IN HIS MANDIBULE, AND I LIVE IN PAIN AND HURT KNOWING THIS IS THE DREAM NOW TO OVER COME VIOLENCE IN AMERICA, TO SEE MY SON FINISH COLLEGE, BECOME DEBT FREE, TO OVER-COME RACISM I EXPERIENCE EVERY DAY, I OVER COME BY LOVING MY ENEMY AS MY SELF. I OVER CAME BEING MOLESTED BY MY MOTHER BOYFRIEND, BUT I OVER CAME THAT, I OVER CAME AND NOW PROTECT CHILDREN I SEE ABUSED/OR ENCOURAGE OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN MOLESTED THAT THEY CAN BE EMPOWERED BY BELIEVING IN THEM SELF, I OVER CAME HAVING A FULL HYSTERECTOMY, AND NOW I SPEAK TO FEMALES IN MY FAMILY AND OTHERS ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT PAP SMEARS ARE AND TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY/YOUR PHYSICIAN. I OVER CAME THE FEAR OF VOLUNTEERING IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS IS NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL, THAT I MADE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE ELSE LIFE AND EMPOWERED THAT PERSON TO GET OUT IN VOTE, I WAS ABLE TO SEE MY SON TAKE THE FIRST STEP AND BELIEVE WHEN HE VOTED HIS VOTE COUNTED AND MEANT MORE THAN A VOTE IT MEANT CHANGE. I OVER CAME THAT ALTHOUGH I NEVER HAD A BIOLOGICAL FATHER TO SUPPORT ME OR BELIEVE IN ME I OVER CAME THAT ONE DAY I WILL LIVE IN HEAVEN WITH GOD ALMIGHTY MY FATHER.
cool story