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.
Wow, Tara! You are an inspiration to so many…..those young lives you are investing in, your family, friends & community who see you live your American story each day, and those of us who had the joy of hearing your story via this website. You grandfather was like so many of that “greatest generation” who simply lived their lives, never realizing what values those watching “caught” from them along the way. Thank you for sharing.
Your love, compassion and interest makes you the special person that we know you are. Your Grandfather would be so proud of the “Real American” that you have becoms. I know that your friends and family are proud to call you our own!
Your the Best!
Martha
Tara you are what makes America Great! I loved your sharing about your Grampa and how he made such a difference in your life. Thank you for taking the challenge of teaching special needs children! I and my wife are the proud parents of a child that will do just fine with ample encouragement and LOVE, she just celebrated her 2nd birthday! She also is walking inspite of the expectation she could still be crawling at three! We are greatfull for the joy she brings us and trust for the grace to handle the challenges. Knowing there are teachers like you with great spirit, love for special needs kids and love of country gives us encouragement. You are a great American!
God Bless You and America!
Super job, Tara. Congratulations and thank you. We’re PROUD!
Dawn & Bob
keep up the great work my god bless