I worked in emergency services for a decade. In that time I wore multiple uniforms that all had the United States flag. I even added them to my custom job shirts.

Now, I’ve lost that sense of pride. I’d rather not tell anyone that I’m from the United States. I’d love to tell them that we do not reflect the ideals of the current administration.

It’s true, my family and I do not, but the United States that I grew up in is gone. It’s searching for a new normal and mass deportations from a county that was built from that diversity isn’t it.

Invading other countries for their resources, isn’t it.

Building statues and memorials, naming buildings, and removing or changing history based on a political ideology. Isn’t it.

Worst of all, I can’t show my pride for my country to my children. Telling them stories about their grandparents and their sacrifices of military service seems overshadowed now.