America’s Independence Day celebrations are over but I am still savouring the joy of watching on TV the fireworks show that was put on at the historic Brooklyn in New York State. I declare that it was the most spectacular fireworks show ever. If anyone disagrees, let them say why.
This year I do not remember shedding any tear during the independence festivities. That is because illness made it impossible for me to attend any live secular or church independence celebrations like I usually do. I usually visit churches (like Word of Life in Honolulu) which celebrates patriotic holidays in a way I wish Nigerian churches would commemorate Nigeria’s Independence.
To celebrate patriotic holidays, Word of Life church usually asks servicemen and women to come dressed in their respective military attires on a given Sunday. They are asked to stand up during the special service, those seated close to them are asked to extend their hands towards them in prayer and afterwards to shake their hands and thank them for their services. I was moved to tears when I listened to a young woman talk to WOL church members about losing her fiance in Iraq. As the Bible exhorts us, I shared with her after service, the same kind of comfort I had received after the loss of my own fiance.
I could relate to losing a fiance, but at least I got to be next to my fiance when he died and we had the chance to say priceless words to each other. The loved ones of soldiers don’t get that chance. Considering that my fiance’s words were of eternal significance (I finally got him to say the sinner’s prayer and committed his life to God’s hands) I wish every family would get the chance to hear such profound last words from their loved ones.
Since Hawaii has many military bases many soldiers and Chaplains (some of them Nigerian/African) belong to local churches and when we lose them in battle the sorrow is not just their family’s to bear. Their home churches rally around them. Before they ship out they are also prayed for. I was moved to tears when I listened to a young woman speak at WOL about losing her fiance in Iraq. As the Bible exhorts us, I shared with her after service, the same kind of comfort I had received after the loss of my own fiance.
The song that usually gets my tears flowing is the patriotic song, God Bless America, especially the line: My home sweet home. That line evokes in me so many heart-rending emotions. It makes me think of the many blessings that America has bestowed upon me and my family. I also think of my American sojourn and how far I still am from attaining my American dreams. I think of those who sacrificed in the battlefront and the civil rights struggles so I could enjoy the opportunities America offers. It also evokes memories of my native home, Nigeria, and reminds me of how much I have missed family and friends —– some of whom have died in my absence. Sob, sob. Growing up as proud Nigerians who would have thought we would be scattered around the world groveling for residency rights, opportunities and benefits. There was a time those who studied outside of Nigeria for their first degree were considered to be those who could not keep up with the competition in Nigeria. And those who did not return to Nigeria right after their studies were subjects of scorn and ridicule (considered born throways). Coming home with a foreign wife was frowned upon.
I may have sobbed uncontrollably if I had heard my favourite American patriotic played live this year —– considering that I am battling cancer and sometimes wonder: Will I see my native land again? As I battle for my life I have become even more appreciative of the benefits of living in America —- my home sweet home. I love it that the natives of my new home call upon God to bless their land and guide them through the night with the light from above.
How many other nations have God so deeply embedded in their songs, symbols and history?
GOD BLESS AMERICA
………God bless America, Land that I love, Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America,
My home sweet home.
God bless America, My home sweet home.
By Irvin Berlin