Patrick the Patriot Eagle Explains the American Dream
Moral of the Story:
The American Dream is the belief that every
person has the opportunity to build a better life through hard work, honesty,
responsibility, and perseverance. It does not promise that life will always be
easy or that success will come quickly. Instead, it offers the freedom to pursue
your goals, develop your talents, and create opportunities for yourself and
your family. Millions of people from around the world have come to America
seeking this opportunity. The American Dream encourages people to work hard,
solve problems, help others, and never give up when challenges arise. It
reminds us that success is not measured only by money but also by character,
integrity, faith, family, and service to others. America remains a land of
opportunity because generations of citizens have embraced these values. When we
work hard, dream big, and remain grateful for our blessings, we help keep the
American Dream alive for future generations.
Patrick the Patriot Eagle stood proudly atop
Freedom Mountain.
The morning sun painted the valley below in
brilliant shades of gold.
Beside him stood Benny Bear, Ruby Rabbit,
Freddie Fox, Daisy Deer, Samuel Squirrel, and Olivia Owl.
Patrick pointed toward Woodland Valley.
"What do you see?" he asked.
The animals looked carefully.
"I see farms," said Benny.
"I see schools," said Olivia.
"I see churches," said Daisy.
"I see businesses," said Samuel.
"I see families," said Ruby.
Patrick smiled.
"Today we are going to talk about
something called the American Dream."
Freddie tilted his head.
"What is the American Dream?"
Patrick sat upon a large rock.
"Many years ago, people from all over
the world came to America."
"Why?" asked Ruby.
"They came looking for
opportunity."
"What is opportunity?" asked Benny.
Patrick smiled.
"It is the chance to build a better
life."
The eagle pointed toward Farmer Brown Bear's
farm.
"When Farmer Brown first arrived in
Woodland Valley, he had almost nothing."
The animals looked surprised.
"Nothing?" asked Samuel.
"Very little."
"He worked long days."
"He planted seeds."
"He repaired fences."
"He cared for his animals."
"He never gave up."
"Today, he owns one of the most
successful farms in the valley."
Patrick pointed toward Main Street.
"Mrs. Rabbit started a small bakery
years ago."
The animals could smell fresh pies from
across the valley.
"At first she baked only a few pies each
day."
"Now her bakery serves the entire
community."
"She worked hard."
"She treated customers fairly."
"She earned people's trust."
"So the American Dream is becoming
rich?" asked Freddie.
Patrick shook his head.
"No."
The animals looked surprised.
"It can include financial success."
"But that is not the whole story."
"What else is part of the American
Dream?" asked Daisy.
Patrick smiled.
"Being a good parent."
"Being a good friend."
"Helping your community."
"Serving others."
"Living with integrity."
"Using your talents."
"Growing into the person God created you
to be."
The animals listened carefully.
Patrick continued.
"The American Dream begins with
freedom."
"Freedom to work."
"Freedom to worship."
"Freedom to learn."
"Freedom to start a business."
"Freedom to pursue goals."
"Freedom to dream."
Samuel raised his paw.
"Does everyone succeed
immediately?"
Patrick laughed.
"Not usually."
The young animals smiled.
"Most success requires effort."
"Persistence."
"Discipline."
"Patience."
"Learning from mistakes."
Patrick pointed toward a young squirrel
practicing basketball.
"He missed ten shots before making
one."
The animals laughed.
"Should he quit?" asked Benny.
"No."
"He keeps practicing."
"He improves."
"That is part of the American
Dream."
Patrick then pointed toward a young owl
studying books beneath a tree.
"Olivia wants to become a teacher one
day."
The owl smiled.
"To reach that goal, she must
study."
"Learn."
"Practice."
"Work hard."
"The American Dream rewards
effort."
"What happens if someone fails?"
asked Ruby.
Patrick nodded.
"Everyone fails sometimes."
The animals looked surprised.
"Even successful people?"
"Especially successful people."
"They simply get back up and keep moving
forward."
The eagle spread his wings.
"America has always been a nation of
dreamers."
"Inventors."
"Builders."
"Teachers."
"Farmers."
"Entrepreneurs."
"Workers."
"Families."
"People who believed tomorrow could be
better than today."
The sun began setting behind Freedom
Mountain.
Golden light filled the valley.
Patrick looked at each young animal.
"The American Dream belongs to anyone
willing to work toward it."
"It belongs to people of
character."
"People of faith."
"People who help others."
"People who refuse to quit."
Benny looked out across Woodland Valley.
The farms.
The schools.
The homes.
The businesses.
The families.
Everything suddenly seemed different.
The American Dream was not a destination.
It was a journey.
A journey built on freedom.
A journey built on opportunity.
A journey built on hard work.
A journey built on hope.
As the animals headed home, Benny smiled.
One day, he would have dreams of his own.
And thanks to the freedoms and opportunities
that surrounded him, he would have the chance to pursue them.
Just like countless Americans had done for
the past 250 years.
Moral of the Story Poem:
Dream big and work each day,
Step by step, you'll find your way.
Freedom gives us room to grow,
And helps our talents start to show.
Work with purpose, heart, and pride,
Let honesty be your guide.
The American Dream stays bright and true,
When good people do what they can do.
Discussion Questions:
1.
What
is the American Dream?
2.
Why
did many people come to America?
3.
Does
success happen overnight? Why or why not?
4.
Besides
money, what other things are important parts of a successful life?
5.
How
does freedom help people pursue their dreams?
6.
Why
is hard work important?
7.
What
dreams do you have for your future?






