After writing our first paper and diving into the negative aspects in regards to the American Dream, I was thinking hard as to what to the positive attributes of the American Dream are. I started to think back to growing up. The Fourth of July was always a special time with family and friends. It is a key moment of remembrance of honoring those who have served for our freedoms. My family and I would always go to my aunt and uncles house to swim, eat great food, and conclude with fireworks. For every family member that came over they were told to send in 3 song requests per person so we would have the coolest pool party playlist. Many songs were included, yet one of them stood out the most. “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band grabbed peoples attention and got everyone excited. The bridge says,

“I thank God for my life
And for the stars and stripes
May freedom forever fly, let it ring
Salute the ones who died
The ones that give their lives
So we don’t have to sacrifice
All the things we love.”

This has a powerful message regarding the American Dream and is what I mean by a reminder towards American Citizens to give thanks to those who have served and died for our country. I know when I hear this song on the radio it still takes me back to those happy pool memories, although makes me sad from time to time. My aunt and uncle (who we used to go to for the Forth) have been divorced for about 4 years now. It created a split in my family and was hard on everyone, especially my younger cousins. That song brought us together and activated memories we will carry onward. Although life is hard and doesn’t always give us what we ask for, songs like these with a positive message I believe are important to America and create close bonds.