On Independence Day we reflect on what it means to be American.
This year, a reader sent a beautiful piece about what it means to her to be an American.
Here it is, and I hope you will enjoy these lovely words as much as I do as we celebrate the 4th of July.
I Am An American
"I am an American.
I am a product of many races that came to these shores, and some who were here before the pilgrims, I am sure.
Some of my heritage may be formed not in love, but in power over another, some in love that was frowned upon by others of the time, some because of a chance liaison on a lonely night, but that is my checkered and winding road to who I am.
I am an American who believes ALL men and women are created equal, to be respected no matter where they live or what color their skin, or the religion they follow, or do not follow.
I am an American who has had forefathers who fought for our freedom, and those who could not because of a disability but who worked the fields, built the homes for others who were left at home.
I am an American who believes that we are still a great nation of a many varied people with the same goal, to be our very best, to give our very best in all we do, and to care for those who cannot because of age or disability.
I am an American who cannot see our flag fall to the ground. I have been known to stop my car, and put it upright again when even a small one gets blown over from wind, and I become angry when someone who is an American stomps on it or burns it.
I am proud to be an American who votes every election because my forefathers fought for that privilege for me. I will not disrespect them by not voting.
I may not always agree with my current President, but as an American I will not disrespect him in public, but if I truly disagree with his tactics, I will vote against him or her in the next election.
I am an American first, and will always try my very best to be the best American I can be, always!"
By: Gale Frances Rodecker Neukert O’Neal
Thank You
A big thank you to Gayle for submitting this wonderful reflection on what it means to be an American.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend celebrating America's Independence.
Here are some other ramblings around America that you might enjoy...
Did You Know These Celebrities Are Irish Americans?
American Reconciliation - A Poem of Hope
Introducing Celtic Roots Baseball Caps For The Modern Irish American
Most Popular Halloween Candy In America - State By State Analysis
Thanks for stopping by.
Happy 4th of July to all.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some other posts you might enjoy:
Immigrant Tales
- Our Irish Heritage - A Kid's Guide to the Irish Diaspora and Irish National Anthem
- 19th Century Irish Immigrants Who Made Multiple Journeys To America
- Learning About Your Irish Family Ancestry
- Irish Heritage Clubs to Join in All 50 States
Irish Life
- Ships, Boats And Ferries - A Nostalgic Tribute
- Irish Sheepdogs - Why I Love Border Collies
- A Candle In The Window - An Irish Christmas Tradition
- Old Irish Ways Heritage Museum
Ray Brown
Mairéad, first I want to wish you and your lovely family a very happy Independence Day! I read all of the above messages and I agree with them 100%. Yes, I grew up listening to Irish music, but I was born and raised by Irish Catholic parents and I too, love Independence Day.
I was in Derry and Belfast in 1981 and I saw saw Saracens, I even heard British soldiers shooting at someone in the streets of Derry. This made me think, "Thank God, I live in the USA."
I think all of us, born here, in the States, are proud to be Americans, and I know you too are very proud to be an American, even though you were born in Dublin and your husband was born in Cork. To me, you are 100% American too.
I know my parents loved the Fourth of July. If my family did not have the freedom in Ireland, at least we beat the British here in the States. I love the USA. I have traveled to many parts of the world, four times to Europe and I lived in Central America, Costa Rica for about 7 months, and Mexico too. We have a home in Jalisco, Mexico, but to me, the best country in the world is the USA,, although my parents might say it is the second best, but with humor they would say it, as I am sure, they would say Ireland is the best; however, they would have a wink when they said it as they loved the USA too. Yes, I do not like to see our wonderful flag stepped on, I stand when I hear the USA National Anthem as I do when I hear the Mexican or Irish National Anthem. I am also very proud to be American, and I can still be 100% proud to be Irish. I will defend both countries if I hear bad things about these two wonderful countries, the USA and Ireland.
I remember my parents, thinking it was very sad, but they were very proud of five Irish brothers who gave their lives for the USA in WW2. They had the name of my father's mother, who was from Cork, O'Sullivan, but we probably were not related to these great O'Sullivan brothers, but who knows?These brothers were an inseparable family from the Great Depression in the USA.
The O'Sullivan brothers, Joe, Frank, Al, Matt and George were all on the same ship, the "USS Juneau" and were killed in action on November 13. 1942. The oldest brother was 26 and the youngest was 20 years old. They joined with the stipulation that they could all stay together. Their ship was attacked in Guadalcanal. There was a movie about these brave lads that came out in 1944. I would have loved to have seen the movie. but I was not even thought of yet. It had some great actors in it and it was nominated for an Academy Award. These lads were born in the USA, and died together. From that time on, the Congress would not allow brothers to be together with such a tragic death of 5 O'Sullivan brothers. It was so sad for the parents.
These boys were of Irish ancestry, and born in the USA. My parents were very proud of these Irish boys but felt very sad for the family of these boys.
So, I will end by saying this country is a great country and we have free speech to have protests, not like other countries, but destroying property, and businesses is very sad indeed. Happy Fourth of July to all my friends here and to your wonderful family too, Mairéad. God Bless Everyone here.
Irish American Mom
Hi Ray - Thank you for this wonderful comment, and for sharing why you too are so proud of being an America. I did not hear the story of the O'Sullivan brothers - what a tragedy for one family to bear. We should all be thankful for patriotic Americans like those five brothers.
Happy Independence Day to you and yours.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary
I too am very honored to have been born and raised here in the USA. My great great gran came from Ireland. She worked hard, raised her 8 children, gave one for the Great War (WW1) ) ran her 180 acre farm after her husband died leaving her to do so all on a 2nd grade education. I’m proud of my O’Brien, Dalton relations. They helped make this country what it is by their determination and pride. Each individual did their part, however big or small, to give us all what we enjoy today. I pray we unite in peace with the common goal of loving our neighbor as ourselves. Thanks again! Blessings, Mary
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Your great great grandmother sounds like she was a tenacious, strong woman. My direct ancestors were all in Ireland, but my great aunts and uncles came to America in the early 1900's. They worked hard and were determined to contribute to America, and be part of the American dream, just like your ancestors. I really like your hope for today when you said, "I pray we unite in peace with the common goal of loving our neighbor as ourselves." May that prayer become a reality someday very soon.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jeff
Mairéad,
Thank you for sharing those wonderful comments!❤️🇺🇸 America has been a work in progress since the beginning. We always try to make things better for everyone!❤️🇺🇸
Irish American Mom
Hi Jeff - Making things better for everyone is the most important way forward for America. I too am proud to be an American citizen, and part of a nation that is a work in progress. Thanks, as always, for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Gayle, thanks for the wonderful essay and thanks, Mairéad, for sharing it. If every American lived by the same principles, just think how our nation would shine!
Irish American Mom
Hi Cheryl - I really enjoyed Gale's piece. She said she wrote it in a flurry one Sunday, after returning from church. She was inspired for sure.
All the best,
Mairéad
Gale
Thank you Cheryl for your kind words.
Irish American Mom
And thank you, Gale for this wonderful submission.
All the best,
Mairéad