Beanee Weenees on Wedding China, the Tooley Family's American Creed

People from all over the world, different backgrounds, and incredibly different lifestyles travel to America for a glimpse at what it is like to live in the United States. Living in this country is something that most American citizens take for granted, and in reality is a place people yearn and sacrifice everything for. When American citizens are asked what their American creed is, or what it means to be an American, the most common answers were perseverance, family, and equal opportunity. For me, being an American means that there will always be community, protection, and the freedom to live a God-honoring life. My personal American creed is impacted by my family’s historical roots because of how my grandparents were raised, my family’s involvement in the country, and how my grandparents live now.

Both of my grandparents were raised with little to no money, and with siblings aplenty. My grandpa has three brothers and a sister, and my grandma has three sisters. Even though my grandparents were not living in a big house on a hill with a white picket fence, they had all that they needed and more. They were raised in a very small town called Pendleton in the great state of Indiana. Pendleton is a farming town with a tiny, one-street downtown. As is said about every small town, everybody knows everybody. My great grandmother-my grandma’s mother-started to nanny for her neighbors to earn money and support her family. This family is the Godby family, and ever since then, my family has had great friendship and a long history with them. My grandparents had community, they lived in the same town their whole lives and knew some great people. My grandma volunteers at a non-profit in town and has developed relationships with amazing people and has gained beautiful friendships. Throughout their childhood, they were raised to have a strong moral code, and it is clear today what they stand by. They keep christian values dear, and apply them to every aspect of their life.

Protection is a big deal in America, and it makes sense that it would be part of my American creed. We have the strongest military in the world and value our soldiers deeply. Every family has a tie to the military in some way, and my family is no different. My great grandpa was military police, and guarded prisoners from other countries. My grandpa was drafted, but ended up not being able to join the military because of some health issues, but he still supports America and has a strong heart for this country we call home. His dad was a worker on the railroads and then became a preacher, teaching in a small church called United Brethren, which then joined the methodist church and became United Methodist. He was unable to join the army because of the fact he only had one arm, but he supported and defended this country from the inside. I have another family member who gave his all for this country, and his name is Josh Bleill. He is my uncle, and he was in the army. While he was in Iraq, he was driving in a jeep and unknowingly ran over an IED. In the explosion, he unfortunately lost his buddy that was in the jeep with him, and also lost his legs. After years of recovering, he started to travel around the country sharing his story and carrying-out motivational speeches. His story has impacted many, especially his loved ones. My familial connection to supporting America is deep-rooted, and is also an important aspect of being an American citizen.

Because of how my grandparents were raised and how they support their country, the way they live currently reflects all of this. They lead a peaceful life full of front porch chats, vinyl galore, and sunset drives to a locally loved ice cream shop called Jimmies. They are involved in their church, my grandpa playing guitar in the worship band and my grandma being a friend and a listening ear to every person she encounters. They are wise and always give the greatest advice in every situation. They value family and traditions, keeping track of important dates and going to their grandkids' football and soccer games no matter the weather. For their first date on December 8, 1969, they ate Beanee Weenees with potato chips and chocolate milk. Fifty-one years later, they ate that same meal candlelit on their wedding china, I believe nothing shows their character and how much they value keeping familial traditions relevant more than that.

To be American means that you have community, protection, and the right and freedom to live a God-honoring lifestyle. My family history has influenced what I believe because of how both of my grandparents were brought up, my family’s history defending the country, and the life my grandparents currently lead.