America’s 250th Anniversary — Appreciation of a Nation—PART 1
(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 school
children 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.
And this was just the start of my journey…...
(Check back for the next installment)