America, our great country, is strong, powerful, and influential. Americans exemplify positive values, selflessness, hospitality, and the American way of life. The oak tree that stands stronger and taller than all others best represents this grand country. Each part of the tree illustrates a way of our nation. Sharply colored leaves covering the tree symbolize the values many Americans hold concerning themselves, others, and our nation. Leaves help the tree grow and flourish just as our value of caring for neighbors helps us unite and become more successful as a whole. The beautiful shades and shapes of these leaves make the tree more attractive and different from all others. Our values often differ from the values of other countries due to cultural contrasts such as religion, race, and educational issues. For example, education is held in a much higher regards than in other countries. It is these differences that make our country more appealing to those of foreign lands.
             Our common American values bind us together as one unit, just as all the leaves work together to benefit the oak. Without them we would be millions of separate bodies aimlessly wondering a common ground, and our country would fall to pieces. Thus, there would be no country as there would be no tree. The lonely oak's long limbs seem to reach out as far as they can just to touch another, showing a sign of unity. One limb reaches far to the east until it finds a Maple, while another bends down and touches the fresh buds of a sapling. Yet another limb seems to branch out in all directions with its twigs reaching up, down, and side to side. Just as the branches of an oak reach out, so do many American's to help the less fortunate. For example, how the people of the United States took hands with the person next to them and got through the tough times of 9/11.
             There is a small, yet inviting hole in front of the oak. It gives protection to t...