By Elizabeth Tyrrell

Yesterday morning, two busses sponsored by Americans for Prosperity embarked from Florida, headed for Washington, DC. The generality of this group also proved to be their own uniqueness.

Filled with members of the Tea Party movement, and other concerned citizens, the mood emerging from the trip speaks volumes to the spirit and nature of America.

Over the past couple of years, random rumblings have bubbled over into an explosion of concern about the direction that political leadership has taken. Average citizens that previously led private lives have unanimously risen to make their voices heard. Recent Washington politics has awakened a sleeping giant.

The overwhelming spirit of the group is a fervency to join together for a cause they believe in – a cause bigger than themselves. Their propelling drive is the dream of restoring America’s greatness.

When asked specifically why they were traveling with Americans for Prosperity up to Washington, the response was almost universal. Every answer sprang from genuine patriotism and love of country. Most were concerned for the future, particularly for their children and grandchildren. Others conveyed disagreement on Washington politics, and wanted to make their concerns heard.

Overwhelmingly, however, the greatest response was unification: private citizens coming together to make a difference. This is the true power of America.

Starting from the beginning, with the Minute Men of the Revolutionary War, Americans have found their greatest strength to be unified citizenship. This weekend, America is flexing her muscle once again and making her voice heard.

We are America

During the bus drive from Florida to Washington, DC, several of the travelers shared their reasons and motivation for joining Americans for Prosperity at the Restoring the Dream Summit. Diverse in ages, lifestyles, and background, the overwhelming general consensus of the group was a deep love for America, and frustration at their current misrepresentation on Capitol Hill.

The very first interview set a tone that would repeat itself almost every time. The reasoning for the trip was simple: “Because I love America.” That was all she said.

Almost fifty percent of the group specifically identified concern for their children and grandchildren. One grandmother described the direction of Washington as “frightening,” while another shook her head, exclaiming that our country is “in big trouble.”

Another large segment of the group identified their distrust of Washington politics. “They’re not listening,” one young woman expressed. “We are going to take every opportunity to show DC that we are paying attention.”

And America truly is paying attention. Whether they align themselves as part of the Tea Party movement or not, the American people have risen up to be heard.

So, what is America? Is it the grandeur of the White House, or the policies from Capitol Hill? Or is it the millions of average citizens who burn with fire for their country and who rise up to make a difference? The answer is simple: “WE are America.”