But Ain't That America

I always get a kick out of watching the opening ceremonies at the Olympics. Without knowing which nation you are watching, you can almost always guess what part of the globe they are from by their athletes' similarities in appearance. Not the United States. We are recognizable not by our similarities, but by our diversity. That subtle reminder of the success of our nation's founding creed that all men are created equal never fails to bring a lump in the throat and tears to the eyes.

Well that feeling pales in comparison to the emotions I felt when I had the privilege of attending my neighbor’s American citizenship swearing-in ceremony. If you ever need a booster-shot of national pride, I strongly suggest you attend one of these ceremonies. It is a microcosm of all that is right with America.

There were sixty-seven people, from thirty-four nations, speaking in unison as they swore allegiance to the United States. While each spoke with their own native accent, together they blended into one voice that was uniquely American. It was a voice made up of people from Canada and Mexico, China and the Ukraine, New Zealand and Cameroon. That is the true voice – and the clarion call – that is America.

For centuries, wave upon wave of immigrants have come to America seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Each new group, be they the Catholics of Ireland, the Jews of Eastern Europe or the Chinese of Asia have faced resistance and resentment. Yet each has forged ahead to build not only a better life, but a better America.

While some may decry the fact that today’s immigrants are not as European or as Christian as those in days gone by, they are just as American as their predecessors. Their energy, traditions and experiences only add spice to the American stew. And unlike those of us who are American by birth, these people are American by choice. There is a lot to be said for that.

Watch an old World War II movie sometime. Invariably, each outfit seemed to have an Italian, a Jew, an Irishman and a Pole. This was a pretty accurate reflection of our fighting forces at the time. Then consider that each of these kids was probably the son of someone not born in America. Those immigrants came here looking for a better life, then were willing to sacrifice their most precious gifts – their children – in defense of their adopted home. What more could we ask of our newest citizens?

That tradition continues. Among the new citizens at the ceremony that day were two people in uniform for the U.S. military. Here were two people already prepared to defend the liberty they had yet to fully experience.

And that brings us to the final reason people long to come to the United States. We take our freedom for granted, but for many immigrants it is a foreign concept in the truest sense. As the presiding judge pointed out, while some may have been forcibly precluded from participating in the public discourse in their former lands, here they are not only permitted, but expected to take an active role in shaping their government. I bet they will.

The ceremony closed with the judge leading everyone in the singing of God Bless America. It was only fitting. After all, this most American of songs was written by a Jewish Russian immigrant. Only in America.