© 2025 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
91.9 FM has returned to full power. Thank you for your patience and support!

What does being an American mean to you?

An American flag at Portland Head Light catches the light at sunrise, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. (Robert F. BukatyAP)
/
An American flag at Portland Head Light catches the light at sunrise, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. (Robert F. BukatyAP)

The Declaration of Independence turns 249 years old on Friday. That document said it is the duty of the United States “to throw off” despotism and tyranny. While it also famously said “that all men are created equal,” it didn’t expressly define who is a citizen. Today, with President Trump declaring an end to automatic citizenship for people born in the United States, we asked, “What does being an American mean to you?”

Here & Now‘s Scott Tong listens to some of your responses.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2025 WBUR

Here & Now Newsroom
As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.