Americanism Committee
What a great time to launch the RFWTV’s new committee, Americanism, as America celebrates her 250thbirthday! We will focus our efforts on projects that demonstrate loyalty to our history, flag, customs and institutions. As a new committee, we will explore specific projects such as
- “American” moment at our monthly meetings that exemplifies Americanism
- Sponsorship of one girl as a page to the Florida legislature
- July meeting – America’s birthday party – possible theme “A Celebration of Flags”
- Create a monthly discussion group to discuss Americanism, leadership and civil discourse
Meets 4th Tuesdays of each month | Belvedere Library | 10 a.m.
We honor our country’s history, flag, customs and institutions. We also work to secure a strong America for tomorrow’s generations. We have the opportunity to provide inspirational leadership to light the pathway for American greatness.
NFRW description of Americanism
Deb Butterfield, Chair
"To Be An American"
WHAT AMERICA MEANS TO ME -Marie O'Flaherty
3/12/2026
When Deb Butterfield asked for volunteers to talk about our favorite quote that promotes
Americanism I jumped at the opportunity because I knew exactly what I wanted to speak about. When President Trump gave his second inaugural address he said something that truly touched my heart. What he said was “America does the impossible best.” I love that quote because it is classic American thinking which I hope we never lose in this country. It is a good reminder to all of us but especially the young people that America is the land of impossible dreams coming true.
I have a personal example of that. I know a young man who is brilliant and has a Ph.D. in engineering. He works as a rocket scientist. From the time he was in high school he wanted to help the U.S. get to Mars first. I once asked him why the U.S. had to get to Mars first and he said because if we don’t, China will and if they get there first, they will colonize it and keep everyone else out.
So now this young man works with a team of other brilliant young American scientists working on the same goal to get America to Mars first. They will do it and the entire world will benefit from it. And that is an example of America doing the impossible best.
WHAT AMERICA MEANS TO ME - Tita Dumagsa
2/12/2026
Whenever the occasion presents itself to introduce myself, I always say, I am a proud Filipino by birth but a grateful American by choice. In my early 20s, I took a leap of faith to pursue the American Dream armed only with one suitcase and a fierce determination to succeed. America indeed was the land of opportunity where I enjoyed very successful careers not only in my profession of Dietetics in Management positions, but also careers in academe at the university level after completing a Master’s Degree, short of a thesis; became a successful restaurant entrepreneur and finally as a Human Resources Executive with United Airlines. Life in America is a GIFT and I will always be deeply thankful for all the incredible blessings and so many acts of kindness I have received in my journey. With God’s help and with firm resolve, I will always try my best to find ways to give back and make a difference. This is what America means to me and this is why I love America.
