July 4, 2006

Natural American Pride from a Naturalized Citizen

(Editor’s note: Lucia de Vernai was born in Poland and became an American citizen at age nine.)

A certain inspiring sentiment transcends regularly observed barriers on the Fourth of July. It creates a unique feeling of community and empowers the individual at the same time. Words like freedom, independence, unity and pride, so often thrown around carelessly by advertisers, return to their original context in the hearts of the people who live their lives based on these principles.

This attitude is especially acute for those of us for whom this Independence Day marks the date of becoming an American citizen.

The room where the oath is administered bursts with excitement expressed in accents as colorful and contrasting as the traditional fireworks that mark the holiday.

A roomful of suits, saris and turbans is the microcosm of the diversity united under one banner that Independence Day exalts. This day belongs to all Americans - those by birth and by choice.

Yet just as Tuesday’s festivities, the thrill of forever returning the green card and registering to vote will fade away.

The fun part is over, now the real proof of devotion to America begins. It is easy to put up red, white and blue decorations and barbecuing is downright fun. But Wednesday is a start of a new year of commitment to the principles we hailed the day before.

It won’t be long until like thousands of American citizens, as new citizens we will receive our first jury duty letters.

And get bombarded by party propaganda for the state legislature elections. Given the current political situation, we may even be called to bear arms.

For many of us it, has taken a decade or more to finally be able to apply for the passport with the majestic navy cover or seek government scholarships and grants.

As American citizens we are now able to travel outside the country for as long as we wish and not be forbidden entry back to the US.

We can sponsor our family in their process of becoming citizens themselves. We no longer have to worry about being deported even if we commit a crime. The tax benefits are nice too.

With privilege comes responsibility, and those who had to struggle to obtain it should be honored to serve this country.

So many times, once the oath has been taken and the security of citizenship is obtained, new Americans join the ranks of the complacent masses and forget why they sought the status in the first place.

The United States is a land of prosperity and abundance, but not merely in an economic sense. It offers innumerable opportunities for serving our fellow human beings.

American citizenship is the doorway to jobs and programs that help to improve everything from the highways to the educational system to international relations.

Celebrating Independence Day is like renewing vows to the protection and promotion of the American way of life without having to turn our backs on the cultures and nationalities we represent.

The best way to do prove our new found identification as Americans is to carry the enthusiasm, concord and commitment celebrated on the Fourth of July into our daily lives. Everyday.