My mother and father enjoying the Fourth of July fireworks
in Chicagoland on July 4, 2011. Photo by Aleksandra Rebic.
American Flag with Serbian emblem! Photo courtesy of St. Basil of Ostrog
Serbian Orthodox Church in Lake Forest, IL on Facebook July 4, 2014
What it means to be a Serbian-American
on Independence Day in the U.S.A.
I remain forever grateful to my parents Rade and Milica who emigrated to the U.S.A. in the mid 20th century, leaving the "old country" and the beautiful Serbian lands in Serbia and Croatia to make their life and home here in America. I am grateful, too, that my mother and father raised me with a deep appreciation for this country that will remain forever embedded in my heart.
I've had the privilege, the honor, and the joy of participating in many wonderful Serbian heritage events here in America throughout my life, and those events along with the rich Serbian Orthodox traditions we have faithfully maintained in our families and our homes have enriched my life more than I can ever quantify.
Serbian history goes back far longer than the history of America, still such a young nation in this world. Being raised in the freedom of America has enabled me to learn Serbian history in its truest sense and in all its glory.
Serbia and America have been allies for over a century. Though there are wounds, I pray that the wounds will be healed and that our common values will transcend the politics of the day.
Not a day goes by that I'm not reminded of a reason to be grateful to live in the U.S.A. and, especially on Independence Day when we celebrate America's birthday, I give thanks to God for the blessing of being born in this great country.
I remain a loyal, faithful citizen, a patriot, and a proud Serbian-American who will never take America's blessings for granted.
Happy Independence Day, America, this beautiful Fourth of July 2014!
Chicago
July 4, 2014
Photo by Aleksandra Rebic July 4, 2012.
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If you would like to get in touch with me, Aleksandra,
please feel free to contact me at heroesofserbia@yahoo.com
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