Did you know volunteer fire companies are a uniquely American tradition? In Europe, it would be unthinkable for anyone but the government to engage in the dangerous work of firefighting. But in America, the majority of firefighters are still volunteers. Ordinary Americans save the lives of others in countless communities across America -- simply for love of neighbor. 

This fact speaks volumes about what has always made America great. As a nation,we have a tradition of ordinary people caring for one another - even to the point of risking their lives. We sometimes forget that in many other societies, this would seem absurd. But when we forget that, we forget who we are. That is why I love this video portrait of one volunteer fire company in Maryland. It captures the greatness of the ordinary Americans who volunteer to serve as firefighters in every community in our country.

Notice how most of the firefighters say they serve because they saw someone else in their family do the same. That is the power of positive role models - and the reason Great Americans exists.

Matt Daniels

Creator and Executive Producer