Today is July 4th, America’s Independence Day.

Since I am an American, living in New York, I thought I’d take a few moments to share my thoughts on my nation’s birthday.

The statue above, the Statue of Liberty, is very familiar to everyone. It stands in New York harbor, a gift from France to our nation.

I remember as a child looking at the State of Liberty at night, from my grandmother’s bedroom window. The great torch would always shine at night, always a reminder that she was there, representing Liberty.

Today when I see her she reminds me that we are a nation of immigrants. Over 90% of Americans are only two generations removed from entry into this great country. So our foreign blood stills runs through our veins, from nations all over the world.

I would like to share the poem written by Emma Lazarus about this great statue entitled “The New Colossus”.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
MOTHER OF EXILES. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.


“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips.

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" 

Happy Birthday America!

WarriorMale