A very special day, when a long awaited dream finally
comes through…
As the morning arrived we were up, a little earlier
than usual. There was a feeling of anticipation in the air, almost an electric
feeling created by events that would take place this particular morning.
After many years of decision making process… of
debating pros and cons… of delaying what should have been done long before, my
wife was finally becoming a US citizen.
Once we arrived at the court building where the
ceremony was to take place, we were greeted by a rainbow of colors and sounds;
a mix of people and languages that represented at least 18 countries from
around the world.
On a day like this, some 45 years ago, I was in a
similar courthouse at the lower end of Manhattan, receiving my oath to become a
citizen of this grand country. I relived the feeling of that day, as we waited
for the proceedings to begin. I looked around and saw the same eager faces with
some of those present trying to hide their anxiety and their anticipation under
the sound of silly chit chat…
As the names were called, the largest group was made
up of Asian folks… Thailand, Taiwan, Republic of China, India, Laos and the
largest group being that of Vietnamese folk. Back when I received my
citizenship, I did so for having served in the US Army during the “Viet Nam
Conflict” … now there was this group being received as citizens, ready to
integrate into and contribute to a society which a generation ago was at war
with theirs…
Another indication of the uselessness of wars??
The National Anthem marked the official start of
the process, each person having had their documents checked beforehand. As each
name was called, sometimes with a great deal of effort on the part of the court’s
secretary, the person named walked up the aisle and married his/her new life
partner… The U.S.A…. On their faces was a reflection of happiness, a little
anticipation, some fear and some sadness as well. No matter what the reason for
coming here, there is always the little void in your heart that tells you an important part of your life and of your being is being left behind.
The ceremony itself was short. Each passed to the
front, received a document, the congratulations from the court officer on
behalf of the US and the small flag which represents their new commitment. Most
of those flags will be preserved with a degree of reverence… some will lie
forgotten in a corner somewhere…
After the ceremony came the pictures and the
leaving of each one, going back to their daily routines… a reminder that in
this country of ours we have to produce what we consume.
As for us? … We went to have a glass of wine at our
favorite small restaurant, to quietly celebrate a passing…
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" ...
Less we forget...
Be
Well … Be Back!!!
Final Notes:
- Pray for those who are
fighting an illness which may take them away from their loved ones… Every
request is heard, and counts!!
- Follow us on
Twitter … @RJAsPandora
- Any comments please send to
otherboxp@yahoo.com
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