CELEBRATING
INDEPENDENCE
In
the hot month of July there are several important dates
that should always be remembered by all Americans. (Americans,
are of course, all of us born in the Americas).
Let us celebrate togetheron the 4th of July the independence
of the United States, on the 5th of July the signing
of the Venezuelan Independence Act, on July 9th, the
independence of Argentina, on the 20th of July the independence
of Colombia, the 24th the birth of the great Simon Bolivar
and on July 28th, the independence of Peru.
As long as we celebrate, it does not matter how. We
can choose to have a barbecue at the beach, "gringo
style" with hot dogs and hamburgers, or we can
give it that "Latin twist" by adding "arepas"
or "pan de bono" and some diet Materva. Who
cares how, the important thing is remembering and honoring
those important dates.
If you need to fly three or four flags on your car because
in your house everyone is from different countries,
why not? Celebrate what you are and where you are from
but also be respectful of where you are at, fly the
American flag just a bit higher, after all that is where
you live now. The fourth of July is important not only
to those born here or living here but to the whole world
since it marks the beginning of the greatest democracy
ever known and practiced in the world. Remember WE ARE
HERE, NOT THERE...
It is difficult for me to write this issue's column
in my usual sarcastic way. I laugh at the everyday things
and I find the funny side of all cultures but these
dates are serious matters. I personally wish that these
dates can soon be celebrated in Venezuela and Colombia
with all the peace, tranquillity and togetherness that
its good people deserve. These two countries so loved
by Simon Bolivar are going through very difficult times!
I wish with all my heart that those vile and -------------
men stop hiding behind honorable ideals to continue
harming their own people and achieving personal, selfish
goals, just like in Cuba they use the ideals of Jose
Marti to hurt its people. I also pray that soon there
will be no more hostages, acts of crime and terror and
that they can also celebrate the 20th of July, as it
should be celebrated.
In
the meantime.......lets not forget our important dates,
teach your children and your neighbors about them, show
them what it means and how you used to celebrate in
your own country. Celebrate the 4th but also the 5th,
the 9th, the 20t, the 24th and the 28th of July. (us
Cubans are anxious to erase the 26th from the calendar.
(grandmothers and St. Ana: please excuse me, nothing
personal)
HAPPY
INDEPENDENCE DAY ! !
