The other day, I read a quote that got me thinking about what it means to be an American. It's a quote by Bob Dylan: “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”

I pondered the following questions. Do you live your life by a set of rules you know (in your heart and mind) are based in absolute truth, not on emotions? When push comes to shove, do you have the strength and courage to stand alone, no matter the cost? Do you stand firm in defense those heroes who died and won you the right to stand firm even when everyone else disagrees with you? Do you believe in God, family and country (in that order) and defend these beliefs, no matter the consequences?

If you can answer with “yes,” then according to the quote, you are a hero.

It's a choice we, as Americans, all must make. The clock is ticking, people.

I've made my choice, and pray for the strength to stand firm on it. Each one of us has to decide for ourselves if being a hero is worth the trouble. My prayer for our country is that we choose wisely.

Donna Stover, Cabot