The Fourth of July. Yankee Doodle Dandy. Independence Day.The Star Spangled Banner. God Bless America! And, of course, Baseball and Apple Pie.
Today we Americans celebrate independence day. We also celebrate everything that makes America so dear to us. For me, the Fourth of July is a great celebration. I often joke with my “American” friends that I am more patriotic than they are, simply because I came to America when my family sent me there to find freedom and a better life.
I found both, in inmense quantities. I think I represent the American dream: I have lived it, and I am thankful for all the blessings that this wonderful country of ours has bestowed upon me and my family.
Now a second generation of Garcias calls America home. Born in the US, they will never feel that degree of patriotism felt by those of us for whom the US is our adopted country. However, as a grandfather I exercise my right to remind my nine grandchildren (#10 on the way) about the greatness of America , just as I did for my four children, also born in the US.
And to make all of this even sweeter, my grandson, Maximillian Andrew Garcia (Max) was born on July 4, 1999. He is 9 today, and how proud we in the family are of this little guy who is a star baseball player, a great student, and a wonderful all round person.
Happy birthday, Max. Abo loves you.
Happy birthday, America. I love you, too.
AND SPECIAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALSO TO my dear friend Dr. Pegie Stark Adam!
WHERE IS MARIO? Holding a small US flag in my hand in Maspalomas, Canary Islands. I will miss the fireworks!