The NY Times had a reporter and photographer travel up the middle of America, south to north, on Interstate 35. As part of the series, they asked people: What does it mean to be an American? This particular quote hits an important concept of people caring about each other:

“When you go to the rural areas, that’s when you understand what America is. The fact of the matter is that for them, everybody counts.”

Ben Bodom, 57, Information technology specialist, General Mills

Born in Ghana, but moved to Wisconsin as a high school exchange student; lives in Minneapolis.

LINK TO THE TIMES SERIES, with vivid photos

Here is another one, this from a twelve year old:

“Being American is red, white and blue and being free. It doesn’t matter what language you speak; if you’re born in America, you’re still American. No matter what you look like, no matter what.”

Sebastien de la Cruz, 12 Student who gained attention, and backlash, when he sang the national anthem during the 2013  N.B.A. finals in a mariachi outfit.

Born and lives in San Antonio