Proud to be an American

I got in a conversation today with a technician born in another country who is now a U.S. citizen. She is proud to be an American.  

It struck me a few minutes later that I have no business being proud to be an American. I am, however, deeply grateful to be an American.

Working out the distinction, and its sociological and theological implications, I leave as an exercise for the student. Hint: I am an American citizen by birth.