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My Grandson Marco: I am Proud to be an American

By
Real Estate Agent with KW at the Parks 651506396

My Grandson Marco:  I am Proud to be an American

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

As I am sure you are aware, the above is the third verse to Lee Greenwood’s iconic song, Proud to be an American.

We have all heard it played before, especially before sporting and patriotic events during the first few years ofAfghanistan, and Iraq wars. A few of us may have even shed a few tears as we sang, or listened to the lyrics. As is common, the more we heard it, the more we began to tune it out. Soon the lyrics were lost in the hum-drum of daily life.

As many of you are aware, my wife and I adopted two children…a girl from El Salvador, and a boy from Brazil. I guess, I should clarify things…the girl is in her 30’s now…so she is a woman. The boy is no longer a boy…he is a 20-something, recent college grad…a man.

Our daughter was the subject of my Lenten season blog, where I chronicled her story from the time we adopted her, up through today. Gina is married, and has three children; Jose, Jaslin, and little Marco.

 This blog is about little Marco, my grandson.

Gina posted a movie clip of little Marco on Face Book. In the video, Marco is practicing singing Lee Greenwood’s song for his Kindergarten graduation ceremony. I have posted it below for you to watch as well. Gina says she can’t stop Marco from singing the song…that he sings it all the time.

As I watched him sing, I thought of my wife’s and I decision to adopt Gina. At the time of her adoption, we knew we were giving her a tremendous opportunity. We were giving her an opportunity to be a part of a loving family, to receive the best medical care in the world, the gift of an education…but the most important gift of all…American citizenship!

As little Marco sang, I thought of our family all going to the Federal Courthouse in downtown Cleveland for Gina’s citizenship ceremony years and years ago. It was unseasonably cold winter’s day. The snow was coming down, but it was the cold winter wind coming in off Lake Erie that made your bones ache. We clung to the sides of the buildings, trying to block the wind, as we made our way from the parking deck to the courthouse. That winter wind did little to cool the spirits of those proud souls there to take the Oath of Allegiance to our great country. The expressions on their faces told the story of where they were now standing on this Earth, was not lost on them. They were proud to be an American.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

As I watched little Marco, I thought of the fact that it wasn’t just Gina whom we helped, it was her children, and their children, and so on down the line…that they all would be American citizens.  And now the significance of our sacrifice, so long ago, was now being played out before me.

I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be living here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.

Many of us take our country for granted. Many of take our freedoms for granted. Many of us take the opportunities this great land presents for granted as well. I can assure you, that those who were born elsewhere don’t. We have an immigration problem because we are the most sought after place in the world. We don’t ever want to have a country where people from other parts of the globe, stop risking their lives and giving up everything they own just to stand on our soil.

The day they all stop wanting to be here, will be the day we discovered that we failed ourselves and our forefathers…because we didn’t cherish and nurture that seed of freedom planted in our rich soil by our Founding Fathers, and blessed by the hands of Almighty God. Will you all join me in singing along with little Marco…

From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

God bless the USA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bllIyErZpio

Comments (14)

Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

I am also lucky to be an American - my parents emigrated here in 1951 (so I was born here) but when I think what they went through, I know I am very fortunate. 

Jun 15, 2012 08:36 AM
Laura Filip
Laura Filip Broker , Opening doors for All Seasons of Life - Whitesboro, TX
What can we do for you today?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts  with us today it is so important to be Proud to be an American Semper Fi

Jun 15, 2012 09:05 AM
Anonymous
Gina Alcantara

Dad...great job! If it wasn't for you and mom, I wouldn't be here today and say...I'm proud to be an American...

Jun 15, 2012 09:29 AM
#4
Erv Fleishman
Realty Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Luxury Prop Specialist Realty Associates

We have never met, yet I know that you are good people with hearts of gold.

I am proud that you are Americans and wish more were like you.

Jun 15, 2012 09:36 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

BLEESINGS YO YOU AND YOURS!! :)

 

Love and light,

Laura

 

Jun 15, 2012 11:49 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Tom. What a moving and lovely thought. I enjoyed meeting Marco on You Tube and Gina's comment warms my heart. I travel a great deal and learn a lot in so doing. It is always good to come home.

Jun 15, 2012 08:56 PM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL
Sheila, Thanks for the kind words and for checking out the video of Marco. Tom
Jun 15, 2012 09:21 PM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL
Laura, Thanks for stopping by, and leaving a comment. It was most appreciated! Tom
Jun 15, 2012 09:24 PM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL
Erv, Thank you so much for your most generous comments. Tom
Jun 15, 2012 09:27 PM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL
Gina, Thanks for all your help in putting the video on YouTube so people would be able to see Marco. Love, Dad
Jun 15, 2012 09:29 PM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL
Laura, I really appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to stop by, and leave a comment! Tom
Jun 15, 2012 09:32 PM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL
Margaret, Thank you for sharing your family's story. We all have so much to be thankful for by virtue of where we live! Tom
Jun 15, 2012 09:37 PM
Mike Frazier
Carousel Realty of Dyer County - Dyersburg, TN
Northwest Tennessee Realtor

Tom, this is an excellent post. We do have an immigration problem that I hope and pray the new president will deal with next year.

Jun 17, 2012 04:49 AM
Thomas Craig
KW at the Parks - Orlando, FL
Mike, Went to a rally here in Ohio this morning and met and shook the hand of our next President. Tom
Jun 17, 2012 09:08 AM