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.
Wonderful story! Teuta’s parents left their homeland to give their children opportunities that they would have never had otherwise. This is the prime example of the American dream. I must say that Teuta is very fortunate to have parents who have supported her throughout her education and pursuit of a successful career.
I have Albanian roots too and I’ve very happy to see all these educated and successful Albanian woman. Up until 15 years ago Albanian woman had very limited freedom: they were expected to marry very young and have children. Higher education was simply taboo. I’m very glad to see that that’s come to an end. Women like Teuta are great role models for many first generation American females.
Excellent story Teuta.
Pershendetje,
Nazif
You made me cry !! We are all proud of you!!!
This is a great story. The best part is where Teuta talks about the pride of her parents as she graduates with a college degree. In one generation, with sacrifice and hard work, they have all earned the right to be Americans. This is what immigration in this country is all about.
Instead of being lured here by entitlements, this family came here for the freedom to better their lives. In contrast with all the problems we have with immigration today, we need more people like this to come to this country.
These people are true Americans, and I welcome them with all my heart.
Vince
Your Love for AMERICA and for your PARENTS is Very touching and very Humbling !
Utkarsh
I love this!! With seemingly constant bad news from the media. Having real Americans who love what this country has done for them is so UP LIFTING!!!
Teuta’s love and gratitude for her parnets and her love and respect for what this country has offered her family is humbling. Not because of some government program but because of what the United States is. A free land where anyone with the guts and will can be happy and successful.
God bless us all!
Mark