It’s the small things our citizens do that make our country a better place. Whether it is helping our overseas troops protect our country, or volunteering at Town Cleanup Day, our country is improved by these deeds. Everyone should do his or her part as a citizen.

First of all, many people help our overseas troops. When a citizen helps the troops, he or she is helping protect our country. Imagine a woman sending a care package to our soldiers. The soldiers open the box to find movies, popcorn, and candy. Isn’t that a great thing to imagine? Back in America, children are decorating beautiful cards to send to the dispatched troops. The teacher smiles as she sees a card with the words, “Please come home soon!” written on the front. She packs up the cards with a tear in her eye and feels good all day. Once the soldiers get the cards, they have hope because they know people really care. See what just a few children did to make so many people happy? At the very same time, an old man sends a donation out of his small paycheck to the armed forces. All of these citizens make America a great place.

Furthermore, volunteers help our towns stay safe and clean. As a volunteer fire crew rushes to put out a fire in a burning building, one fireman sees a group of people standing by an upper window. He bravely climbs through the building to rescue the family. Thanks to him, the family escapes with nothing but a few minor burns. Sadly, in 2002, 74% of all firefighter deaths were of volunteer firefighters. The next day, town held a Cleanup Day. Hundreds of volunteers showed up to clean the parks, public buildings, and streets of garbage and litter. As you can see, America benefits from volunteers.

Our citizens’ actions are what make America such a great place. If we all do small things as citizens, our actions will help our communities immensely.