I am American.

I am not my president, my government ... my politicians.

Go ahead, knock me down. I'll just get up again. I will face you. Proud. Defiant. Eye-to-eye.

I've no use for bullies.

Cut me. See? -- Yes, I bleed.

You may leave a mark, but trust it's not the first of a thousand scars. I've walked this path before and made a promise, cross my heart: whether flesh and blood or hallowed spirit, I will prevail. I will go forward.

I watch you taunting me, see you dancing in the streets to celebrate my horror, my grief. You believe I am forged of little more than flesh and bone. Wrought from only steel and concrete. Think I am so easily swayed from that which I believe?

Trust that I am more.

I'm strong and I've got courage. I'm the spirit of the wolf and the voice of the eagle -- the voice you've flung across the world. I am every heart that ceased to beat the day those towers fell.

You've summoned me to the battlefield and yet, where are you? Lo! Brave and noble warrior, how fearless you are skulking in the shadows now! Have I ever been such a coward in the face of my own savagery?

I pray the answer is no.

I will remember. Never can I forget the anguished cries, the tormented pleas, or tear-stained eyes. Yet, nor will I forget that in this land, every soul is free. Free to express. Free to be.

And ...

Where danger is not imminent, I'll rise against no fellow, especially those standing here with me. Let justice be served -- may you rot in Hell -- but I pledge my life to defend the innocent.

I am the vessel of my forefathers' sentiments: "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" Like them, I wasn't born to turn the other cheek.

I will stand my ground.

I rise as one voice. Here to make my stand. Here, across this land. I will not cower at your feet. You see, freedom isn't just some monument erected in the street. It's not the flag you burn, old songs I sing, or a broken bell we ring.

Freedom is the breath I breathe, the heart that beats, the voice that cries...

I AM America.

Diann Bellamak
September 14, 2001