Commentary : So Proudly He Hailed America’s Promise Fulfilled

Eighteen years ago, a man stepped off an airplane onto U.S. soil for the first time. He had an American wife with him, but he spoke little English (to this day he has yet to master it). He was, although awed and joyful, scared.

He had come here to have his unborn son born and raised in America. Although a man of few tears, he cried when he became a citizen of the United States.

He was given a job at his grandfather-in-law’s office. He quickly rose to president of this firm and built a small insurance company into a million-dollar business. Only in America.

He sold his shares of the company and chose another job, more fitting of one of his greatest passions, the sea. He sold yachts. Only in America.

He is a proud man. Proud of his wife, his three children and, although proud of his heritage, he is proud of his homeland. Two years ago, a boat floated across a bay in Seattle. The 100 passengers were enjoying the fireworks, for it was the night of July 4. Breaking through the “ohhs” and “ahhs” came a deep, powerful, beautiful voice, with an unmistakable French accent. It sang with an undying pride and emotion. It sang the national anthem.

It was this man. Soon, the whole boat joined in, with pride and emotion, but not to match that of this man.

Now, at the 200th anniversary of the Constitution, this immigrant beams with undying loyalty for this country. This is a man of substance. This is a true American. This is my father.