By SUSAN DROMEY HEETER, Joyful Musings
Need a pick me up? A reminder that in spite of all that has transpired, is transpiring, will transpire in this land of the free – for most, home of the brave – for all, the United States is still a country where people believe in the possible, the impossible, the American dream.
Come to Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Monday, 4 July at 10 a.m. for a free and open to the public Naturalization Ceremony. According to the Strawbery Banke website, the invitation reads:
US Naturalization Ceremony (11 am – 12 pm): Celebrate America by welcoming new citizens at the US Naturalization Ceremony. A museum favorite, come feel reinvigorated by the joy and patriotism shared by those who make their own special day on their new nation’s birthday.
Reinvigorated. I don’t know about you, Joyful Musers, but that is a word I need around this country, a reinvigoration around why the United States IS a worthwhile destination, why citizenship to our country is held in such high esteem, and why anyone would want to live here.
Need a reminder? Come on Monday. I’ll see you there. And if YOU have a story to tell of your immigration story, please reach out. I’d love to hear it.
Blessings to America, blessings to you.
Susan Dromey Heeter is a writer from Dover who recently let her hair go au natural white. Writing has been her passion since her English majoring days at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Dromey Heeter has lived in The Netherlands, Alaska and currently basks in all things New England, including the frigid winters. An avid swimmer, Dromey Heeter’s great passion is to bring back body surfing as most children have no idea how to ride waves without ridiculous boogie boards.