My idea of the perfect 4th of July isn't my idea at all. I learned it from my dad. He didn't plan ahead. When he'd start noticing some flags around town, he'd call his Russian friends, and then he'd call his Afghan friends, and then he'd call some family and other friends. And a celebration was born.
Was there a holiday that meant more to him? I don't think so. The freedoms and opportunities provided by our country were never taken for granted. He loved and cherished them as if they were precious treasure that needed constant vigilant care. And he loved to remind anyone and everyone of that fact.
So, we'd order a lasagna or two from Gina's, throw the Cokes in the cooler, Rob would string the used-car-lot flags dad had bought 20 years ago and that was all it took. Flags, food, and friends.
Sometimes Rula Outcault would play piano and we would all sing patriotic songs. One of my favorite moments was singing the Marine anthem in between Daoud (from Afghanistan) and Lara (from Russia). From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli...
One year, dad asked Daoud if he would explain to everyone assembled what it was like to leave his own country to come to America. Fortunately Rob filmed it and I long to see it again.
Dad continually encouraged Daoud and his family to become American citizens and it was a great privilege for Rob and I to witness Daoud's wife, Nadia, become a citizen in September 2008. Daoud became a citizen a month later.
We hope to continue the tradition, though in a different venue. It's not about location. It's about love of country. Thanks, pops.
No comments:
Post a Comment