"Why Captain America?"

The question was proposed to me, "Caleb, why do you like Captain America so much?"

"Well he doesn't even have super powers."

This is true. But you have to look past the powers and see what makes a hero a hero. It's what they stand for. It's what they believe in. Captain America stands for truth, justice, doing the right thing... he stands for being a hero! People have perverted what is means to be an American. Despite what this country used to be or is currently, Captain America believes that, wether this is or isn't the best country in the world; we can be the best people. I know that sounds a little cheesy but hang with me.

There are "darker" heroes such as Batman, Deadpool, and especially the Punisher. While I'm not downing them at all, they seem to miss the mark as "pure" heroes. You have the Punisher on one hand who would consider killing someone rather than bringing him to justice, but Captain America would do the right thing if it killed him.

"But isn't he vulnerable with nothing but a shield?"

It's because of the fact that he is vulnerable that makes him awesome. You have super heroes like Superman that are impervious to just about everything, but Captain America takes a risk in saving a life. In other "Super Scenarios" the super hero must be thrown into an epic battle with some random, over-powered, super villain in order for the audience to get the sense that the hero is in danger. But on the other hand you have Capt. America. He is vulnerable, only having a shield. But despite being susceptible to things like bullets, gravity, and the occasional explosion, he still puts his life on the line. Just like my heroes in real life. The ones that choose to go into harms way to protect and to serve what we as Americans believe in.

Side note. I love the fact tat he has a shield instead of something like a sword or a hammer. It's a symbol of protection. While it can be used for combat, that is it's main purpose is to defend.

The Bottom Line...

The bottom line is that I am a patriot. Ever since I was a little kid I have been all about "red, white, and blue". Heck, I even picked my favorite NFL team based off of those facts when I was 7. When I think of a hero, Superman, Batman, Spiderman, or even Captain America don't come to mind. I think of the Army, the Navy, the Marines, etc. I think of soldiers! The ones laying down their lives each day to do the things we are too afraid to do. The brave protectors... the everyday super-heros. So yes, I will stop at memorials of those fallen in the line of duty and pay my respects. I will be thankful for them every day. I will look up to our veterans. I will put my hand over my heart and sing the National Anthem as loud as I can because I am proud to be an American. No matter how hard the world will try to make me ashamed, no matter how many times they attack, no matter how many times they try to tell me otherwise... I am proud to be an American and to live in a country where people die to protect these beliefs. So why is Captain America so special to me?

Because he's the hero that resembles my heroes!