On July 4th, Independence Day may have come and gone, but the joy of celebrating America lingers in the hearts of some Chinese immigrants. Around the celebration of America’s 249th anniversary, Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles County who have been in the U.S. for decades have expressed their gratitude towards America, feeling fortunate and proud to live in this country.
Last Wednesday (2nd), Diamond Bar Mayor Deng Jiayou and his wife Theresa Lee attended the “Patriots Concert” held at the city’s Community Center Park. After the event, Theresa Lee told reporters that there was a special segment during the concert – a ceremony paying tribute to the American flag. When the color guard presented the flag to the center stage, the national anthem played, and she saw seven to eight hundred spectators standing solemnly, automatically placing their hands over their hearts, singing the national anthem in unison, followed by cheers from the crowd.
“I was very moved. I feel that Americans don’t usually chant slogans, yet they are the most patriotic and proud of America,” Theresa Lee said.
Guan Yixiu, head of the “Community Safety Everyone’s Responsibility” (TACF) organization in Los Angeles, who has been in the U.S. for 55 years, said he had concerns about security during this year’s Independence Day celebrations. He mentioned that in recent years, tens of millions of illegal immigrants have been allowed into the U.S., some of whom have ulterior motives. “If these people have entered with a purpose, both the public and the police need to be vigilant.”
Independence Day parades held in Santa Clarita and Huntington Beach recently had tens of thousands and over a hundred thousand participants respectively, with many intersections guarded by fully armed police officers.
Jim Chen, Vice President of TACF, felt that this year’s Independence Day celebrations were different from previous years. Although America has been established for less than 250 years, it leads the world in various fields such as economy, military, and research and development. “Being a part of it, I feel honored,” he said.
After graduating from college, Jim Chen came to the U.S. with only $500 to pursue a graduate degree. He then settled down, raised a family, and his two children received a good education in America. “Being able to start a business and raise the next generation in a foreign land, creating my own American dream, I want to especially thank this melting pot called America,” he said.
When asked about the reasons for their love for America, the interviewed Chinese people emphasized its freedom and opportunities.
“American society is free, and the vast majority of Americans are very generous and kind,” Theresa Lee believes. She stated that American society has provided immigrants with many opportunities for learning, employment, and entrepreneurship, and they are very grateful for and cherish the opportunities they have in America.
First-generation immigrant Deng Jiayou, who earned dual doctoral degrees through hard work in America, has been actively involved in public service for a long time. He believes that what makes America most appealing is its freedom and the generosity of Americans. Over the past few decades, the majority of Americans he has encountered have been very kind, generous, and willing to help others.
“In America, everyone is equal. As long as you have the ability and are willing to work hard, you can succeed, and there are plenty of opportunities,” he said.
Deng Jiayou mentioned the recent mayoral election in New York City, where a socialist won the party’s primary, calling it an incredible event because many people believe that socialism is very different from the fundamental values of America. He believes that immigrants coming to America should understand the history of America and its founding principles, especially the values guarded by the Constitution and the direction it sets for America’s future, which is crucial for preserving freedom.
Theresa Lee believes that immigrants in America should cherish the opportunities for success that this country provides. “I never see it as a given. We should give back to this society rather than the other way around – taking from it. We can say without hesitation, America is great,” she said. ◇