Two American flags fly over the three-point intersection in Nesquehoning. AMY MILLER/TIMES NEWS

Jeanne Yoho MillerCo-leader of the Carbon Schuylkill Luzerne STEM Ecosystem“America is the land of opportunity for all people no matter your race, religion or economic status. It is a country of second chances. Our strength is our cultural diversity and a collective, creative spirit that results in a better life for all of its people. I was very fortunate that my late father, a World War II veteran, instilled in our family the value of our commonalities as well as our differences. They are what has created the incredible fabric of this nation.”

Harry J. Wynn IIIShoemaker-HaydtAmerican Legion Post 314 past commander“The Land of the free and the home of the Brave, The America worth fighting for. We as citizens need to preserve it for future generations.”

Georgia FarrowWeatherly American Legion Post 360 Auxiliary treasurer“To me, America is the greatest country in the world, we have so many freedoms and opportunities. At this time, we should reflect and be grateful to the many men and women that have fought and died to protect this country for those freedoms and opportunities.”

“We need to think about preparing for the next five to 10 years, not just two to three.” Nathan Gerace, Tamaqua mayor

Tom ConnorsWeatherly mayor“America is the greatest country in the world! There’s a billion reasons why and not one reason why not. God Bless America!”

Georgeann HerlingWeatherly American Legion Post 360 Auxiliary president and president-elect of the Carbon-Lehigh-Monroe-Northampton 4 County Council“America means being able to live in freedom. It also means being able to make choices in what I want to do in life.”

Richard NothsteinPalmerton councilman“I do get a bit emotional when I really think about our country and what it means to me and how we got to this point in our history. I’ve been blessed to be an American and live in the best country on earth. Our blessings have come through the sacrifices and dedication of others ... thanks to them!”

Christine LeClairFirst vice commander, American Legion Post 123“When I think of America, I think of our freedom, limitless opportunities, patriotism, family and the bond of a community. I loved the America that I witnessed after the tragedy of 9/11 and hope one day we will return to that without being prompted by devastation.”

Christa KattnerNesquehoning VFW Post 8008 Auxiliary president“America means very different things today to various people but to me American boils down to freedom and courage. I see a country today where no matter your opinion you are free to express it how you choose, and a country that is only what we are because of courageous men and women who have and continue to fight for all that we have, even when some of our citizens don’t act grateful.”

Dale FreudenbergerTamaqua Historical Society president“No matter what is going on in your life, be it good or very difficult at times ... at least we all awaken every morning in the greatest nation on the earth and that is reason enough to start the day with a positive attitude, hope for a better tomorrow, pride in what we stand for as Americans and opportunities for us like nowhere else on earth!”

Henry DesrosiersCarbon County Veterans Affairs director“To me, it is what we take for granted every day — Freedom, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It is the ‘Home of the Free’ and the ‘Home of the Brave.’”

Zachary MakoState representative, R-Lehigh/Northampton“It is the greatest country on earth — the land of the free and opportunities for all.”

Robert PaulVietnam Veterans of Carbon County commander“America is my home. I am thankful for the freedom others sacrificed to give it to me.”