Some came as colonists
To settle and tame the new world.
Then fought to form a free nation—
A nation of liberty and choice,
A nation of which I am proud.

Others came later,
Leaving their homes and loved ones
For their new-found faith,
Men, women, and children
Who braved the stormy Atlantic,
To make a new home for themselves
Only to be driven out and forced to flee
From those who did not understand.

They crossed a continent with only what they carried
To settle and tame a vast desert wilderness
And make a new home for themselves.
They established new settlements far and wide,
And worked the land for to survive.
The generations that followed built upon
All their fathers and mothers had established.

There were wars to fight to defend this land
And lean years of sacrifice with very little,
Yet they persevered and carried on.
My generation benefited from their toil;
They taught us to work and show respect.

I only hope those who come after
Will take to heart what we passed along—
And to those who follow you,
For my heritage is yours as well.
Learn from them who gave so much
And never take it for granted.