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Celebrating America’s Independence

Jul 06, 2012 Letters

Dear Editor,
Guyanese and other Caribbean Americans celebrated their adopted country’s independence on Wednesday. Americans of all backgrounds, especially Caribbean nationals, demonstrate patriotism by hoisting the flag and partaking in traditional festivities – BBQs, sports, fireworks, etc.
As it is for other nations, Independence Day is the foundation of America and is the most celebrated of America’s festivals.
People are celebrating the Declaration of independence that limits powers of the government whose purpose is to “secure” peoples’ rights – the people are supreme over their government unlike, say in Guyana, where the government is supreme over the people.
On July 4, 1776, some 236 long years ago, the thirteen British colonies in America united with one another and declared that they had broken away from Mother England and had formed their own nation. A great nation was built and millions of Caribbean people (who came much later than other immigrant groups) have come and settled in the U.S to experience the American dream and they take time to celebrate the country’s achievements and its freedom.
July 4 has meant opportunities for Guyanese and others to lead a more prosperous life, to acquire freedom and to get an opportunity to pursue one’s goals (with limited inhibitions) and to realize dreams (a car, home, higher education, etc.) that are virtually impossible in one’s homeland. It is not surprising, therefore, that every Caribbean immigrant is glad and grateful to come to America.
Although different ethnic groups celebrate the event differently, they all have one thing in common – to stand up for the nation against enemies and in solidarity against adversity. Many were at the fireworks on Wednesday evening and millions watched the display of the fireworks on TV.
Whatever people take America’s independence to mean, it is valuable to remember that people braved harsh conditions to settle down in the former colonies, establishing a nation and fought (resulting in deaths for many) for this independence as well as for the protection of the country.
Coming as immigrants, Caribbean people show their pride in the new nation they call home by participating in activities relating to nationalism cheering the nation in battle.
But it is essential that people think of what it means to live in America and to live responsibly. July 4th has given people a taste of freedom and to own material possession unimaginable in their native lands.
July 4 is a patriotic day and it is heartening to see so many Guyanese and other Caribbean people being absorbed into the celebration. They flew the American flag and thought about their country.
This is their new homeland and they are becoming mainstreamed into American life.
This is a positive step for Guyanese and other immigrants as they cannot be isolated from other groups.
They need to further this integration and interaction and build coalitions to fight against common threats.
They must register and vote responsibly for people who are pro-immigrants. They should let their voice be counted in how the country is governed. Only through active political participation can one get the politicians to listen to them and to treat all with full equality.
Vishnu Bisram

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