The US has always been at the forefront of creating internationally recognized brands. From Coca~Cola to Pillsbury to John Deere, American brands have become instantly recognizable icons all over the world.

A few of my favorites are the ones I grew up with. Like Coca~Cola, which I've loved since I was a kid. I see the Coke brand no matter how far and wide I travel. When you're thousands of miles from anything familiar, there's something comforting about being able to sit down and have an ice cold Coke. It's like a little piece of 'home away from home'.

And who doesn't love the cute and giggly Pillsbury Doughboy? I grew up with his ticklish laugh and the yummy baked goods he told us about, which made baking easier for mom and delicious for us!

John Deere made their brand famous with their signature shade of green. You can buy paint in John Deere Green for everything from tractors to interior walls. Country artist Joe Diffie even recorded a song about it.

These are just a few of the brands we grew up with. But they're not just part of our childhood, they're part of our culture.  And our American heritage.