32 years ago I immigrated to the United States with $178 and a guitar.
9 years ago I stepped forward with 78 others to take the Oath of Citizenship.
It was one of the proudest and most emotional moments of my life.
(more about my journey here.)
You see, someday I will be a citizen for 15 or 20 or 35 years and I’ll still choose to tell folks that I’m a “new” citizen.
Why?
Because I don’t know how else to communicate the significance of it. The choice of it.
We’re not perfect, this country, we’ve got our flaws. Like most families, there’s bickering and divisions and always someone willing to point out what’s wrong with us … but still … there’s a heart and soul about America that continues to inspire people to imagine a life here.
* * * *
God Bless America, Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above
From the mountains..to the prairies
To the oceans..White with foam
God Bless America!
My Home Sweet Home
Happy birthday, America …. from a grateful citizen.
Related:
People who worked for citizenship are often more patriotic than those who were born here and take it for granted. Yay for you!
thank you! MJ
I agree with Kate’s comment. Your absolute pride in our country makes me smile.
Thank you Dianna. Despite the noisy naysayers, I still think there’s more right with this country than there is wrong with it, MJ