A Truly American Moment

Our town held the Fourth of July fireworks this evening, instead of on Monday night. In past years, they had been held a week or so later, so we could literally get more bang for our bucks. Still, it is much nicer to celebrate on the correct weekend, if not the correct day.

I live about a mile away from the fairgrounds where the fireworks display is staged. So my neighbors and I watch from the parking lot of our building.

This evening, I found myself watching with an immigrant family that moved in several months ago. I don't know them well, we haven't talked very often; so I'm not sure where they came from. It doesn't really matter. I felt honored to share this celebration of the American dream with them this evening.

My beau has remarked that I have a rather patriotic family. My parents were married on Flag Day. My birthday is the day after Veterans Day. My brother's birthday the day before Independence Day (and I still have to wrap his present)!

My maternal ancestors came to this country at the beginning of our history. Some likely fought in the Revolutionary War; others came perhaps just a bit later. My father's family arrived from Europe around the early 20th century. So as I sat with my neighbors and their visiting friends, we collectively represented the diverse history of American immigration. And I'm sure a fair amount of patriotism across the generations.

As the two youngest children cheered when their favorite colors exploded overhead, I thought about the American Dream, and our values and hopes for our nation. I was happy my companions were able to be here and to pursue that dream for themselves. And I was proud that our nation and its wonderful diversity; a gift that we should always welcome and cherish. As the motto on our national seal proclaims: E Pluribus Unum--out of many one. Our diversity and tolerance thereof is what makes our nation strong; it's what make our nation great.

And our darkest days have been when our differences have been stifled, or when they have divided us. May we always remember that the American Dream must be true for each and every one of us.

Amd may we, as her citizens, continue to strive to make it so. Then may our flag forever fly over the land of the free.

As I write this, I am very grateful and happy that I was born here, and do not need to leave my home to pursue my dreams and goals. I am proud to be an American, and to perform the duties of good citizenship. And tonight, I celebrate the promise and potential of our great nation.

Happy 229th America. And many, many happy immigrants. And many, many happy returns.