Editor 's note : This post was created for your reading pleasure as a collaborative effort between the editorial staffs of BuzzFeed and CNN . ( CNN/BuzzFeed ) -- In some ways , it has been a pretty tough year for America -- and a year for tough Americans . The year started in the shadow of the Sandy Hook school shooting . Then , the Boston Marathon bombing brought the country to a standstill , followed by a spate of natural disasters and leading into a summer wracked with unsettling details about government spying . But sometimes the lowest moments can bring out the best in Americans . Here are 10 stories from this year that might make you feel a little prouder to be an American this Independence Day . If you are reading this on mobile or an outdated browser , you wo n't be able to see this story in all its glory . Click here instead . .
Hard times brought out the best in Americans this year . Here are 10 stories that might make you feel a little prouder to be an American this July 4th . Share your moments of American pride with us on CNN Living on Facebook and Twitter .