I am thankful…that this wonderful country is my home.
Growing up, I’ve always wanted to go to the United States. No, it wasn’t because I heard that the “streets are paved with gold.”
It’s because there were so many beautiful sights to discover. Having watched many American movies, documentaries and TV shows, the United States seemed to have an endless number of beautiful places, beautiful seasons, beautiful people.
It’s because here, in this country, there is such a thing as pride in one’s work, regardless of what that job is. Maybe this was an idealistic view from where I was, but it seemed that even high school kids had jobs and earning their keep. (Lately, watching the TV show Undercover Boss, it does seem to point out that people are proud they’re working, proud of who they work for, proud of what they do.)
It's because this is the land of opportunity, and God willing, we can aspire to achieve the highest peaks.
In 1970, I came to the USA as an exchange student....with just one suitcase, a guitar, and $200 in my pocket.
I became an American citizen in 1976. And one by one, I brought my siblings and my parents over a 25-year period of time --- we patiently went through the lengthy but legal process. I am proud to say that two of my siblings served in the U.S. Air Force --- just one of the ways we gave back to this country. We've settled in different places; and although we are separated by distance and time zones, we are bound by endless love.
Through the years, I traveled throughout the USA, lived in several states, and finally settled down in the wonderful island of Alameda CA.
More reasons to be happy and proud become evident as time goes by.
I am proud of how we as one nation come together in the face of adversity
I am proud that we can disagree, loudly and publicly, and know that we are free to express ourselves (we are not killed or maimed for our beliefs)
I am proud that this country and its people take care of the poor and the sick...and that Americans are the most generous in every way, and where volunteerism is a gift of the heart and not an obligation
We are thankful for God’s bounty and blessings bestowed upon us. Best of all, we are thankful and proud to be American citizens.
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