I Voted

Today is the day that marks the first time I have been able to vote in a presidential election, and the first time I have voted ever in my life. I feel like I am now a part of history, coming after a long line of people who have had to fight to have their voice heard. So many people have had their opinions ignored and shrugged off or even intentionally pushed away. But today I waltzed up there, didn't even really have to wait in line, filled out my ballot and just like that, my opinion mattered. We should never forget those who went before us and fought for what they believed in so that their future could have the things that we mostly take for granted these days. I still remember being in the fourth grade and staying up until what I felt was late at night waiting for the final decision in the Bush/Gore race. And now, how ever many years later, I was a real part of this, and as insignificant as one vote may seem, it really did matter. I could continue with more patriotic feelings and gushings about America, but I think it speaks for itself. The land of the free and the home of the brave.