Proud Americans
July 8, 2008 | Filed Under America, Kuei, Family | 3 Comments
A very important event took place months ago, that we did not have time to post, due to our plans to move. But this year, Kuei took the Oath, choosing to become a citizen of the United States. We are really happy about it, and the ceremony was really emotional. If anyone ever has the chance to attend a Naturalization ceremony, do it. Jump at the chance. Because it will have the kind of feeling in that room that, in my view, we need more of in this Country.
There was a great speech from a Daughter of the American Revolution. The best part is hearing from the people within the audience, the soon-to-be-citizens, standing and speaking about what it means to them. There were moving “testimonies,” in the Rose Wagner Theater in downtown Salt Lake City that day. One that stood out, came from a man who’s family came from South Africa, who’s father “gave his last dying breath” to get him here. Moving stories about how America STILL is the Land for those fleeing from dictators, religious persecution, etc. And while these reasons were not necessarily applicable to our situation, and we love Taiwan, we all know the importance and special privilege that we have of being American.
Even writing this post has me recalling the powerful feeling, of just sitting there with pride, with my two sons, knowing that something amazing was taking place. Watching Kuei stand up and raise her right hand. She has had the greencard forever it seems, being a legal resident of the USA. But now she is a citizen of a very special Place in our hearts. This Independence Day was also special for us, for this reason.