Today was a very special day in our family. My daughter-in-law, Simone, became a U.S. citizen. We attended the naturalization ceremony in the Rose Wagner Theatre in Salt Lake. So many impressions as I sat and watched the proceedings. Two hundred new citizens today - people of many different countries and ethnicities. Of course, our little group was focused on just one - the lovely and courageous Simone. In the audience were her husband (my son), their two little boys, and her parents visiting here from Brazil.
As we said the Pledge of Allegiance and a chldren's chorus sang the national anthem, people stood with hand over heart or arms at their sides. And I thought of the recent kerfuffle at Utah State University when an audience member shouted out to chastise the guest speaker at commencement excercises for having his arms at his side during the anthem (as we of a certain age were taught to do). Such rudeness did not occur today - everyone was happy and were helpful and supportive of one another. Everyone seemed to understand that patriotism was not about which hand did what during what recitation, nor what pin one wore, nor what bumper sticker one sported. It's about a humble grateful feeling, as well as a sense of loyalty, commitment, and respect. Things that you might not see as easily unless you are paying attention.
Patriotism, I mused, is not demonstrated by symbols, nor even by words or songs. It is demonstrated by personal actions.
After singing, each one of the children from the chorus told why they were glad to be American, and the comments ranged from hilarious to profound, as is so often the case with children. The judge was kindly and accommodated all of us who wanted to get pictures of our loved ones taking the oath, allowing us to crowd onto the stage to do so. The video of President Obama welcoming the new citizens was special to my daughter-in-law, as she said she had wanted to vote for him, and now she may get that opportunity when he runs again.
After the administration of the oath, many new citizens were invited to say a few words. It was touching to listen. Some had worked hard and waited a long time for this day. For everyone, it seemed, this was a realization of something they had deeply desired. Simone said the man beside her cried throughout the oath, he was so moved at that moment.
Later we went to a Brazilian restaurant to celebrate - a good choice as all the servers spoke Portuguese and it made for a very enjoyable time for Simone's parents along with the rest of us. Seven-year-old Kevin, as always, had memorable remarks for the occasion. He asked his mom if she was she was glad she was an American now. And he offered to teach her some American things now that she was a citizen. He wondered why she didn't offer to say a few words (he remembers exact phrases like that). I think our quiet Simone would never volunteer to make a public speech, but Kevin would welcome the chance!
But we were all surprised to realize how closely Kevin had been listening to the speakers, when he said, "I'm going to remember that freedom isn't free."
And therein lies the most important way of demonstrating our patriotism - working to preserve freedom. Freedom isn't free.
Today I'm very proud of my daughter-in-law. I know she thought about this for years before deciding to do it. She takes it very seriously. She is a hard-working, smart, beautiful, and courageous woman. Our family is better because she is in it. And now our country is even better because she is one of its newest citizens.
Photo: Simone along with her husband (my son) Steve, and sons Kevin (unhappy at having had to relinquish the flag to his brother) and Brandon (hidden by the flag). I love these people!
