1/18: Updated with revised title: One July day in 1961, my mother and I landed at Idlewild Airport (now JFK) to join my father in America. My parents made the decision to emigrate from Scotland in search of a better life for their two-year old son and any other children who might follow. That move would eventually include my two sisters.
January 9th marked the 45th year of American citizenship for me. I remain as grateful now as I was that day in 1979 when I raised my hand and chose to turn my Permanent Resident status to citizenship, swearing my allegiance to the United States of America.
Given the events of the last 45 years and with a particular emphasis on what is referred to as the “current state of America”, I think it is easy for those born in the USA to be overly pessimistic about where we are as a country. When viewed from the outside, the USA remains a beacon of opportunity and hope for millions.
On the brink of my 65th birthday, I do find one troubling aspect of our “American experiment”. More and more Americans are involving themselves less and less in the daily affairs of our communities. The very existence of our institutions and republic depends upon people of all philosophies and backgrounds to put in the work.
Our democracy requires vigilance. Get involved as a volunteer. Run for elective office or serve on local boards and commissions. If everyone leaves it up to the other guy, you end up with a small group of fringe individuals holding power–sound familiar?? It is time for our citizens to emerge from their self-absorption, time to put aside obliviousness to the lives of others, time to, as President Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
I cherish my Scottish heritage and the family I have who still live there. It is a constant source of pride and a pretty good conversation starter! However, each night before I fall asleep, the knowledge that I am an American provides me comfort and reinforces the fact that I am among the fortunate.
God Bless America—thank you for making me one of your own.
Editor’s Note: This is the opinion of Old Lyme resident Brian Cole.
Beautiful reflection. Thanks, Brian! I agree completely.
Well said Brian. As a first generation American I share your views entirely. Thank you also for recalling Kennedy’s words. I wish more would take them to heart.