4th of July
By Jian Ping
Waking up early this moving, I made a mental list of things I needed to do for today’s party—our annual party for the celebration of July 4th and the joy of watching fireworks along the lake from our balcony.
I went for my routine morning swim at 6 A.M. and was pleased to see a number of American flags on display around the rooftop garden by the pool. I remember the first time the flag touched me to the core. It was right after 9/11. I was on a business trip in Boston. After four days’ attempts to reschedule a flight back to Chicago, I picked up a rental car and drove all the way back. I don’t think I had ever seen so many American flags in my life—residential houses, gas stations, restaurants and stores—American flags waved in the air, in defiance against to the attach on the nation. The juxtaposition of the two World Trade Tower collapsing and the American flags standing high and up brought tears to my eyes. It was the first time I felt so strongly to be part of America, to identify with America.
The American flag has taken a personal meaning of strength, defiance, and justice to me ever since.
Today, we will have close to two dozen of friends at our party—Chinese and Americans—to celebrate the country that provides security and abundance for us and an enriched life I would never have dreamed of as a mulberry child.
Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. For more information, visit www.moraquest.com, www.mulberrychild.com
Tags: 4th of July, American flag, celebration, fireworks, friends, party
