1. Homeland
By Z.R. Stroope/G. Holst

2. Students were asked to reflect on themes in the song, Homeland, by Z.R. Stroope. The following are some of their thoughts.

3. “Our Homeland is somewhere we can feel loved, somewhere we can be accepted no matter what the circumstance. Our Homeland is somewhere we should feel united as one and to be able to accomplish the better for everyone”

4. “Our homeland isn't so much a place but a passion
“Our homeland isn't so much a place but a passion. Homeland means being home. Whether that is with friends or family or near or far homeland is where or with who you are at home. Everybody deserves a homeland. Everybody deserves a home.”

6. “Our homeland is where people are able to be selfless enough to make sacrifices and put aside the differences to join together as one while facing the inevitable struggles on the journey to success”

7. “How lucky we are to live in a place where education, opportunity, and rights are not luxuries. America is the culmination of cultures celebrating exactly this. This is where our homeland's beauty lies.”

8. “Homeland is not a place, it's a feeling
“Homeland is not a place, it's a feeling. Every man carries a map of his homeland in his heart. When we embrace ourselves we embrace our homeland. When we love and respect our friends and family, we love, respect and honor our homeland.”

10. “Home isn't always a place with walls and a roof
“Home isn't always a place with walls and a roof. Sometimes home has arms and a heartbeat.”

11. “To me my homeland is not the physical place that you live but the place that gives you meaning and compassion. It is where your security is whether it with friends or family.”

12. “Our Homeland is not just a place of residence
“Our Homeland is not just a place of residence. It is a place of longing. It is where we are and where we want to be. It is the struggle for freedom, the fight for justice, the yearning to be at rest. It was secured with sacrifice and valor; it protects our faith. This land affords a charter of liberty and blessing if we are just perceptive enough to appreciate it.”

14. “Your homeland you may leave, but your heart always stays
“Your homeland you may leave, but your heart always stays. There's always a road to take you home.”

15. “My homeland is my anchor; it keeps my soul from aimlessly drifting off. My homeland gives me my name, my identity, and my spirit.”

17. “My homeland is anywhere I'm with my family, which means times of laughter, of safety, and of motivation. No matter what we experience, we stand together and look toward the future. Together, we have the freedom and the power to make the future bright.”

18. “My homeland is love that drifts beyond the romantic
“My homeland is love that drifts beyond the romantic. It represents security, hope, and family. My homeland is beautiful in all of it's familiarity, and I am so happy to be here.”

20. “Our homeland is where all of our stories begin, but homeland is not just a place; it is a feeling. My homeland is where people are surrounded by loved ones, memories are made, and there is hope.”

21. “I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.” --William Tyler Page, 1917

22. “I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon
“I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon. I seek to develop whatever talents God gave me—not security…I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout…

23. “...It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say – ‘This, with God’s help, I have done.’ All this is what it means to be an American." --Dean Alfange, 1952