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.
I love you Rachie! You’re awsome!
Thanks :]
Sarah, yes united we stand and i have been voted for you to be our vice of states but did not happened and i always defend you from those blame you and i’m one of view blk that interesting your leadership of nation and i would meet you if you have time and come down DC.
thanks and nice to have you long.
I too am an amputee, Rachel, and I admire your courage and you are an inspiration to many.
Keep up the good work! You will go far!
Rachel Rocks! I’m a terrible swimmer. You make it look so easy.
God Bless You!! You make our little difficulties seem insignificant. You are an amazing person. If the rest of the world could “catch” your attitude we would all be better off. Thank-you for sharing. Thank you Sarah for bringing America wonderful stories like this. We need “happy” and inspirational stories to fuel the beast in us!!
Kate Conard started swimming at 14 and in her freshman year at Marist is setting records. BUT YOU!!!!! when I show this to Kate….you will be her idol!!!! and anything further will be attributed to you!
Keep going! We love people like you to inspire us all.
This is very inspirational! I’m a swimmer too, you are amazing.
Keep swimming!!!
Great for you! Keep up the great work and keep striving for more and more!
Rachel, you are awesome & truly remarkable. You are a great inspiration and yet you’re so cool and collected about it. Your journey has touched me in such a special way–giving me added strength to stay encouraged for my daughter. (I work with your Dad
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your amazing, and you have a very beautiful Face Rachel you make your mamma proud and us!
So impressive.
Rachel, you’re an inspiration to me. I was so happy to hear your story. Bravo! You gotta a lot of good to do in this world. Go get ‘em kid
NS
Rachel Rules! She’s cute too