234 years ago, on July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed, declaring our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Having just seen one the original broadside copies of this document in February at the Arizona Historical Museum (click here for my earlier blog), I feel more patriotic this year, 2010.

Every time I travel outside of the U.S.A. I reflect upon what we as a country have become in 234 years, and what an amazing land of immigrants we are, from so many, many different countries, all now speaking the common language of English. We have indeed become a melting pot of peoples, a diverse community blending together, especially with intermarriage. Others (like fellow blogger View from Baja Arizona) have said it before me, that diversity is one of America’s greatest strengths.

One of my nieces (Japanese/Australian) is married to a Moroccan & her sister has partnered with a Kiwi guy from New Zealand; one of my son’s friends has a father from Abu Dhabi and a Mexican-American mother; another young woman I met recently claims four heritages from Brazil, Egypt, India, and Italy. Wow, the new global generation of young, racially mixed people, all Americans.

We are also a nation tolerant of different religions, since the search for such religious freedom was one of the reasons the original Pilgrims left Plymouth, England. (Incidentally I have visited both Plymouth, England and Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts. So I have seen where the Pilgrims came from and where they first landed in 1620).

Yet we are also still a fairly young, evolving nation and still trying to assist in the resolution of global issues of terrorism and peace, yet handling our own domestic, economic woes and political conflicts (over abortion, gay marriage, the war on drugs, border issues & immigration, etc.).

Whatever your political affiliations or religious beliefs are today, be proud of America & celebrate our freedoms and the 4th of July.

fireworks in D.C.

Eat some apple pie, and enjoy the fireworks tonight in the Old Pueblo and elsewhere.