nwasianweekly.com
July 1, 2006

Photo by Ann-Marie Stillion

Immigrants get ready to become American citizens at a naturalization ceremony at the Seattle Center on July 4, 2003.

July 4 festivities for immigrants, too

Most Asian immigrants don’t really celebrate the Fourth of July. Hamburgers and hot dogs? Not for them.
But that’s not what Independence Day is about. It’s a time for Americans to reflect on our freedoms, our personal blessings, the opportunities we have because we live in the United States.

You don’t need to hang the American flag outside your home, but do take time to gather with family and friends. Celebrate the “Asian way” — by sharing a long, leisurely meal. Take in the region’s grand fireworks displays together. Most importantly, spend quality time with the people you love most.

We make these suggestions because we want immigrants to be aware of and appreciate all that they have in America. We are surrounded by people who care about us. More and more of us are becoming homeowners. We have educational and economic freedom in that we can change careers or go back to school any time we want, no matter our age, income, gender or race.

What’s more, we live in one of the safest countries in the world. Even though 9/11 is still a fresh memory for some, most Americans feel secure. Despite the war in Iraq, we are living in a stable economy that is only expected to get better in coming months. Air travel dropped off dramatically after the terrorist attacks, but it has rebounded. Cruise ships by and large are booked through the rest of the summer.

It seems like America, finally, has gotten back to normal since its emotional and economic plunge of 2001.
We have much to be grateful for these days, and we should take time to celebrate and reflect on our abundances. Most of us came from countries where poverty, corruption, inequality and struggle are daily realities. To have the ability to say what you please, to use the Internet to communicate freely with loved ones all over the world and to receive news from independent media sources — those are all blessings. Who better to know this than immigrants?

This Fourth of July, celebrate all your freedoms.

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