On July 4th, Independence Day in the United States, cities across the country celebrated with large parades and fireworks displays. In Southern California, Taiwanese Americans joined in the festivities, either participating in parades or hosting parties to gather with loved ones and express gratitude for the open and free environment that America provides, where everyone has the opportunity to create their own value.
Renowned landscape garden designers, Mr. Liu Bangrong and Mrs. Ye Meili, celebrated the national holiday at their estate, “Yiyun Villa”. In addition to reuniting with their children and grandchildren who live out of state, they also invited over 60 friends to enjoy the fireworks display. Ye Meili jokingly mentioned that every year she hopes to relax and take a break, but on Independence Day, friends always call to ask if they can come to her backyard to watch the fireworks.
Under the skillful hands of Liu Bangrong, “Yiyun Villa” has become a prime spot for Chinese residents in Southern California to watch fireworks. From a five-story treehouse overlooking the entire Hacienda Heights basin, guests can witness multiple fireworks displays simultaneously lighting up the night sky. Liu Bangrong believes in the saying “the more, the merrier”, and their Independence Day party started at 4 pm and lasted until late at night. Friends gathered, chatted, enjoyed live band performances, and even witnessed an impromptu saxophone performance by Liu Bangrong.
Having immigrated from Taiwan to the United States over forty years ago, Mr. James Tsai believes that what he admires most about America is the ability to achieve success through hard work. While acknowledging that the world is not always fair, American society provides opportunities. Tsai stated, “True Americans are very diligent. Look at the highways, traffic is already congested around 3 or 4 in the morning as people are getting up and going to work.”
Managing three Bob’s Big Boy burger restaurant chains, Tsai considers the American middle class to be the best customer base. They are willing to spend on good food and are respectful towards waitstaff, generously tipping, which stems from good manners and respect for others. He mentioned that many Asian immigrants who come to America end up not truly understanding Americans, staying within their own ethnic communities like Chinatown or Koreatown. Tsai believes that it is better to stay in their home country if they are only focused on making money without engaging in American society. He emphasized that immigrants must learn to contribute rather than constantly seeking government support.
Mr. Tsai shares the cultural values of America and is also concerned about the changes in Taiwanese society. He observed a global trend where some individuals oppose democracy in the name of democracy; such phenomena can be seen in the Taiwanese Legislative Yuan and the American Congress. Despite the challenges, Tsai believes that true democracy withstands tests. While California may have some unsatisfactory laws, in the Midwest where traditional American culture remains strong, many Americans uphold these values.
Between June 28 and July 5, 11,000 people celebrated Independence Day by becoming American citizens, double the number from the previous year. The Director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Ur M. Jaddou, expressed that new citizens enrich the country with diversity and uniqueness, reinforcing the commitment to help eligible individuals experience the freedoms enjoyed by American citizens.
Huang Hefen, a member of the Orange County Overseas Chinese Affairs Advisory Committee, joined the “Team Taiwan” group and participated in the Independence Day parade in Lake Forest, Orange County. Over a hundred Taiwanese Americans proudly wore “Team Taiwan” shirts and waved American flags during the parade. The procession included various cultural performances, including lion dances, with Miss USA International leading the way in a convertible car.
Huang Hefen believes that Taiwanese Americans are gradually integrating into mainstream American society, stepping out of their own communities. She emphasized that through actions, Taiwanese immigrants are proving that in an open and inclusive society, as long as goodwill is shown, Americans are welcoming. Addressing those who constantly criticize America, Huang Hefen questions, “If America is so bad, why did you come here?” She believes that new immigrants must learn and understand American society, actively participate in community activities to truly achieve their American dream. ◇