American Patriotism Is Real

Hi There, Nothing amazes me more in America than the sheer patriotism of its people.

Wow, I have always said that I have 101 per cent Ghanaian blood running in my veins but when I look around me, the most I can outwardly display of my patriotism is a large national flag that decorates the back of my car, a small rectangular one that drapes down my driving mirror and a couple of long beads in the national colours that I sometimes wear around my neck with my scarf when I remember them.

Being over here makes me feel guilty of my claim when I see what real patriotism is and should be.

During the past weeks, in the build-up to July 4, the day Americans celebrated their 232nd Independence anniversary, I have once again been hit by the patriotism of the people.

Yes indeed, the Americans love to wear their patriotism on their sleeves — and of course on their lapels.

Being in America on July 4 is indeed the best place to be. Nothing compared to being in Ghana on July 1 even though I read on Ghana Web that this year's national awards was one of the best in terms of organisation and turnout.

By the way, the significance of July 4 is the day in 1776 when the “allegiance to the British crown” was brought to an end. It is a day of deeper meaning to Americans, young and old. On that day, there was a separation from England, former colonial masters if you like.

 

The colonies then came together to form the United States of America.

A constitution was established and luckily for them, that constitution has never been “suspended”, it exists to this day.

The Americans signed their way to liberty, adding other states as the years went on.

To mark the occasion, normally on July 4, beaches, traditional hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue supper and flags as big as baseball fields are more like it in America.

Fireworks that light up the dark skies of early summer are the hallmarks of the Independence anniversary.

And so I made it to a fireworks display at the Mercer County Park in New Jersey on July 5.

   Continued    Source: Graphic - Daily Graphic

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