Independence Day 2014

This week I had one of those wonderful teachable moments when work mates were discussing our work holiday for the 4th of July.  Many of my work mates are from Mexico and are so unaware of what the holiday means.  Having some knowledge of Mexican history helped as I explained that Diesiseis de Septiembre is the equivalent of the 4th of July.  I guess I could've just kept my mouth shut, but really??  This is the birthday of all that I believe in.........my independence, my heritage, my pride in the sacrifice of so many before me.

So, the American Revolution...............the quintessential rebellious nature that defines so much of our American heritage.  When the colonists had enough of the rules and regulations that deprived them of basic liberties, they made a decision that would have cost them their lives if they lost.  They knew this, but did it anyway.  Think of the Alamo.  Think of "Lone Survivor".  I guarantee that the initial spirit of those rebellious colonists exists even today.

It is a spirit that attracts others to our shore.  We should welcome them.  Anyone with the gumption to stand against tyranny, oppression and want a better life for themselves.  Seriously!!

What does this mean to you?

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

― Emma Lazarus

Who does it apply to?  Can you be selective when you say, "welcome"?

At the Round Rock fireworks display this evening, I had the opportunity to visit with a family from El Paso.  That's a really long way to come for fireworks.  They are in town for another event and had done an internet search for a patriotic event.  We shared the idea that the purpose of celebrating was the sense of community.  I enjoyed visiting with them.  It made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself.  I grieved for the family and friends of the Comanche explosion remembering so many years of attending that 4th of July celebration with my children and friends.

My life continues to change.  Today was spent with Whitney and her friend Ashley who has Asian heritage, and so we had an opportunity to share a bit of our USA story with her and learn some of her story.  It was so sweet watching her try watermelon with salt.  She said she didn't like it, but that's ok.  She tried it, and we had an opportunity to talk about the food interests of her culture.

That's what this holiday is all about.

The United States of America is not a color, a race, a gender.  It is a the "great American melting pot".  I have loved this idea since I was little, and I continue to love it.  The changing face of immigration in this country is inevitable.  I truly hope we can stop making "American" a racial issue.

Happy Independence Day!!