By VERNA BROCK
In a few days, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our Semiquincentennial (yep, that’s a real word…I looked it up).
The last big celebration of this sort was 50 years ago in 1976, the nation’s Bicentennial year. It’s really easy for me to remember, since that is also the year Ed and I got married. As a newly graduated history major, I loved the idea of having an historically significant connection to America. The patriotic celebrations lasted a full year, and having a wedding that year was the cherry on top!
Our current year has been full of commemorations and celebrations. All across the country, states and towns are holding special recognitions of their unique contributions to the huge tapestry that is the history of the US of A. This Fourth will be especially festive, with dramatic fireworks and light shows wherever possible. Despite the very real issues facing us, love of country is blooming and Americans everywhere are recognizing the beautiful, as well as the not so pretty, parts of our past. All of it has shaped us, and the world.
With the World Cup being held in North America this past month, social media has been chockablock with visitors from across the globe discovering the delights of the United States. Our food, our friendliness, our venues, and our wide open vistas have been a revelation. The Tartan Nation, in full kilt regalia, has delighted and charmed Americans with its good humor and enthusiasm. The Orangemen from the Netherlands have tickled us with their sideways hopping, and lighthearted Norwegians have rowed up escalators in horned helmets.
Tourists from the Japanese, to the Brits, the Irish and the Argentinians have sung the praises of Buc-ee’s, free refills, restaurant portion sizes, Ranch dressing, and barbecue in all its many variations. I won’t lie, it has felt great to see so many fall in love with this country. But what has warmed my heart even more has been watching our countrymen and women open their hearts with so much kindness and genuine welcome.
Last week, I shared a table at Costco with a couple originally from China. Their English was still broken, but their pride in being American citizens shone brightly, despite the language barrier. It was so warming to see their joy!
Then there was Alfred, the charismatic young man who inspected my house last Wednesday (at the behest of my property insurers), who hails from Haiti.
Every month or so, I go to the salon and get a manicure from Matt, my technician, who is originally from Vietnam. Each of these people loves being here, and is grateful for the same opportunities my own immigrant ancestors enjoyed. But even more than that, I am personally enriched whenever I meet people from around the world. I am reminded that very little separates us, no matter our origins. In the span of a few days I met people from around the world without ever leaving home, and loved every minute!
That being said, I am very concerned about the recent Supreme Court decision affecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants and refugees. Tens of thousands of people, many with years of valuable contributions to the US, are at risk of immediate deportation. This will devastate their lives and be destructive to the construction, healthcare, agriculture and processing industries as well. I’m not sure what the long term goals are, but disrupting families and the economy seems ill-advised and unnecessary. I genuinely hope and pray my worst fears aren’t realized.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July, filled with family, fun and good food. Be safe and God bless America!