It’s been over 30 years when I first set foot on this “great and wonderful” nation.  I remember being nervous leaving the Philippines, but I knew coming to the United States would give me more opportunities in life.  And I was right, this country opened many possibilities including the opportunity to serve God’s people.  

And so, in this year’s celebration of 4th of July, I’d like to offer thanks for the privilege of living here.  I am sure many of my fellow immigrants share that same gratitude.  Here in the United States, many immigrants, like me, were able to re-implant themselves to a different environment by establishing new relationships; establishing a new family and a new home while never breaking the bond we have with our family of origin. 

The process, however, hasn’t always been easy, but despite all the challenges that we faced, this nation continues to be for many a land we are very proud to call home – where anyone regardless of where we were born or what class we were born into, equality is available to everyone, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved.   

Today, as we celebrate the birth of this country, we pray for all our leaders from the national to the local government, for every single American, and to the many immigrants who have found a haven in this place.  We pray that the Good Lord make us faithful to the ideals that our founding fathers have set: “that all are created to be equal, that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights and among these are life, liberty and pursuit to happiness.” 

However we plan to celebrate the 4th of July holiday, let us not forget to pause and remember all of those who have given their lives for the sake of freedom, those who have worked doubly hard that we might have a place called the United States of America.  Let us all with resounding voice sing:” God bless America, my home sweet home!” 

To all of you: a safe and happy 4th of July!