America’s 250th Anniversary — Appreciation of a Nation
(A Story of Patriotism as Experienced by a Naturalized Citizen)
When I arrived in the US many years ago, not knowing I would stay and become a Naturalized US Citizen, I vividly remember my first 4th of July experience. Bonnie’s family coming together, BBQing, then watching the fireworks over Great America in Santa Clara. Ensuing years saw us at a local community park, with thousands of others experiencing the display put on by the city. I felt like a stranger looking in from the outside and not completely appreciating the depth of meaning that this holiday holds for US citizens. Of course, the facts had been imposed on me right from the start. A trip to Boston & tour of the Constitution had me wearing a feather in my hair, while a group of schoolchildren on their own tour, learned about the Boston Tea Party. They had me throw the tea in the harbor. Then there was the trip to Pennsylvania, the Liberty Bell & Gettysburg. I learned about the US Flag when visiting the home of Betsy Ross. In New York it was the memorable climb up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. I got first hand knowledge of the country’s history, not through books but through hands-on experience.
When, through church, Bonnie and I met a lady from West Virginia we learned very quickly about her patriotism. Virginia’s husband served in the Navy, her house was full of patriotic symbols and she was a member of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). She became a dear friend and even enlisted Bonnie & me to be judges of the DAR sponsored local school district US history essay competition. (Rather ironic for me as I was not a US citizen at the time, but it served as another indoctrination into US history and we all had a good laugh). When I decided to become a US citizen she obtained the DAR study guides for me. I became an honorary member of her chapter and they held a special “tea” for me. To learn more about DAR visit Daughters of the American Revolution
Then came 9/11 and the American spirit came alive amidst the torment of the event. Patriotism was at its highest. I think everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing at the time. Within 3 weeks of 9/11 I was on a plane to Philadelphia for a trade show. Attendance was low and I remember that not much business was discussed; the country was still in shock and recovering. Our next door neighbor, here in Prescott Valley, was a Division Chief in the NYFD at the time. He described to us the conditions of working at Ground Zero. The consequences of doing so has led to a number of health issues for him, as we’re sure it has for many others.
I became a US citizen in February 2004 at a ceremony held in San Francisco with about 2000 other people. Bonnie and her family attended. I was somewhat overwhelmed. That’s when I finally realized how special and privileged it is to be an American. At the time I was working in the high-tech industry and I remember receiving congratulations from our nationwide network of sales reps.
Over the years I learned from my best friend and business partner, Bonnie, that she has a family history of military service. Bonnie’s husband, Nick, served in the Navy for 20 years, which included a tour at the former weapons facility at the Oakland Naval Supply Center, a tour in Vietnam with MACV-SOG Support Team (68-69) and the Armed Forces Courier Station in San Diego. All of these billets required various levels of security clearances. His Navy years also included stations overseas and deployments on two “bird coops” and three “tin cans”. Nick’s four brothers also proudly served in various branches of the military. A true American with a Cherokee mother and French father, Nick grew up working the tobacco fields in North Carolina. Bonnie’s uncle Bill served as a Commander in the Navy for 20 years with security clearances, many of those years living overseas.
Our story wouldn’t be complete without the mention of some former neighbors. Rod and Irene were both Master Sergeants in the Army. Irene had a presence about her that had a profound effect on those who got to know her. She was articulate, passionate and funny. She held leadership positions in her local chapter of WACS (Women’s Army Corp) Veteran’s Association, volunteered for veterans’ organizations and wrote articles for the local newspaper. We worked with her as she collected old photos, stories and recipes from WACS across the country and put together a cookbook. (She often stopped by to drop off new material for us and always knocked on the door, entered and shouted “honey I’m home!”). When the cookbook, “Served and Still Serving”, was complete she invited us to a WAC luncheon and introduced us to a WWII WAC who had met Winston Churchill and younger WACS who had served through Desert Storm. She had each of them sign their picture in our cookbook. To learn more about the WACS visit The Women's Army Corps | WACVA-AWU She was so excited when she was asked to make a speech at a local Memorial Day Service and we were proud to attend and listen. She wrote and delivered Nick’s Obituary at his funeral service at Northern California Veteran’s Cemetery. Her favorite song was Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA”. Sadly, she passed away from COVID and we still miss her.
As 2026 approaches and we look forward to Independence Day, America 250™ and all that it brings, I reflect on my years here and the opportunities that have been given me. I am truly thankful for Bonnie and Nick who took me under their wing when I first came to the US and “adopted” me into their family. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that despite all of the issues and controversies, there is an abundance of patriotism still alive in America!
Bonnie and I are excited about the America 250™ Licensed flags* which have been designed for the special occasion of the 250th Anniversary of America . You can find out more about America 250™ by visiting america250.org. The flags are made in the USA by Annin, the oldest & largest US flagmaker who have been making flags since 1847. We encourage you to get yours to proudly display!
*The America 250 word mark & logo are trademarks owned by the Semiquincentennial Commission & any use of such marks by Annin Flagmakers is under license.. LogArrow Marketing Services is an authorized reseller of Annin Products.
Teresa and Bonnie live in Prescott Valley and own Logarrow Marketing Services, providing businesses with branded merch and custom decorated apparel. You can contact them for your America 250™ licensed flags at www.logarrow.com/america250.html, email them at info@logarrow.com or scan the QR code below.
