This is my grandpa's identity card from when he arrived in this country in 1925. He came from Cologne, Germany and sailed into Ellis Island and became a United States citizen. He settled in Chicago where he met my grandma who came here from Poland. He joined the painters union and spent his life as a painter working on buildings in downtown Chicago. As a child, we lived with my grandparents for a few years and I learned so much from them. I always admired their work ethic, tenacity, perseverance, and courage. I hope my life so far has been an expression of what they taught me and what they believed in and what makes this country a great place that it is today.
Join all Americans and share your story about your history and your hopes and dreams for the future of our country. Together, we will tell the American story through videos and the most inclusive commemoration in our history.
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
This contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.