๐บ๐ธ ๐บ๐ธ ๐บ๐ธ To Live FREE in AMERICA ๐บ๐ธ ๐บ๐ธ ๐บ๐ธ
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In the rolling hills of Bohemia, papa & mama Kubat often dreamt of freedom from foreign rule. Strangers in their own land, they lived under an outside government that dictated every law and crushed every hope. Their growing family crowded into one small room above a dusty workshop.
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Most nights they shared only bread and potatoes, the childrenโs stomachs still rumbled as they fell asleep. Work was scarce. A brighter future seemed impossible. Then one day, a letter arrived from cousins in America: โJoin us. We have our own farm, plenty of food and no one to order us around!โ
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Those words lit a fire in their hearts. They had no say whatsoever in what their futures held there. Soldiers continuously marched through the village, taking food and livestock, forcing young men into wars where they never returned. Pride in heritage brought danger. The family had enough.
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One quiet dawn, they packed up, boarding a crowded steamship. For two long weeks the vessel pitched through fierce Atlantic storms. Below decks was sickness, children cried from hunger, passengers weakened but the Kubat's clung to one another and to the exciting promise of freedom.
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At last, through the morning mist, the Statue of Liberty rose, her torch held high. Tears of pure joy streamed down their faces. Soon they were led through the great halls of Ellis Island, hearts pounding, spirits elevated, America was much more than anything they had ever anticipated!
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I am proud to be an American because my ancestors left everything behind to seek out freedom, opting out of heavy-handed, outside political rule. Their sheer bravery afforded the way for me to become a patriotic American.
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Born in rural Minnesota into a family of hard working dairy farmers who still work the fields. Every day, I am grateful that grandpa (dฤdeฤek) and grandma (babiฤka), left their birth country of Bohemia for America. The smell of cow manure still brings me a sense of peace during chaotic times.
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May God continue to bless the greatest country in the world. My ancestors risked everything to become citizens, assimilated and worked hard for their way of life. For them, nothing held more meaning than becoming an American in every sense of the word and they lived it every single day!
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This is an entry to: ๐ActiveRain July 2026 Challenge: Celebrating Americaโs 250th Birthday! ๐ Special thanks to Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs. and Kathy Streib for hosting.
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Feature pic by Grok
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