america the beautiful

I’ve always been patriotic. I get choked up at the National Anthem and especially Ray Charles’s version of “America the Beautiful.” I have to fight back tears each time I hear inspiring stories of our courageous men and women overseas – they make Independence Day possible.

So you can imagine how touched I was to read this article about a naturalization ceremony here in Jackson. Our new fellow citizens embody all that makes our country great – vision, perseverance and a dream of a better life. They came from places like Nigeria, Morocco, Portugal, Vietnam and Yemen to become something we often take for granted. The judge presiding over the ceremony even brought his own children to demonstrate how blessed we are to have been born of such a great country.

I remember my dad telling me that the day is father became an American citizen was one of the greatest days of his life. He’s since passed away, but I will never forget those words. We should all be so grateful.

Happy Independence Day!