Tropical Tales No. 26 - Vol. 1-
Thanksgiving 2004
We are
not a perfect society, this nation has its
faults and there are things in need of repair,
but be thankful for the sweet things in life
worth sharing such as: freedom of religion, and
especially freedom of speech, which is so dear
to me.
I was not born in this country, I chose to
become an American citizen because I had lived
in many different countries and had a good basis
for comparison, and I knew this one to be a
democracy that worked, and which rewarded
ambition by encouraging free enterprise.
My family faired well here and so we are very
grateful. I have lived in California and enjoyed
the restless Pacific Ocean and the lovely wine
country; and also lived in Utah where we owned a
ski condo in Park City and skied in powdered
snow under the open skies; and later moved to
Arizona and listened to the coyotes and walked
along the Grand Canyon; then lived in the great
State of Texas and marveled at its immense
spaces and its friendly people. Now we enjoy
Florida with its beautiful beaches and
international flavor. I was made to feel welcome
everywhere I lived, studied and worked.
I would like to take this opportunity to
thank those American boys who freed my father's
country, Poland, from the tyranny of a madman,
and who are now buried in France. And let's not
forget those boys who are dying now for our
freedom. You don't appreciate freedom until you
lose it! To an artist freedom is breathing; they
are inseparable.
For these reasons, and many more, I will not
permit anyone, family, friend or stranger, to
speak disparagingly about America in my
presence, and although I cringe when I see flag
burning, I understand the right of such freedom
of speech, but feel we should use our freedom to
build it up, not tear it down.
So this Thanksgiving I must in good
conscience thank this country for opening its
doors to our family as I sing my favorite
patriotic hymn: America the Beautiful, because I
have traveled from the mountains to the
prairies, to the oceans white with foam, and
know the words to be true because I have lived
in repressive and dictatorial societies which
suffocated me.
I have also lived the American dream, and I
am still living its adventure and singing its
praises. My sincere thanks and appreciation for
helping me become all I can be in this great
country, and I wish you all a very Happy
Thanksgiving.
Alinka Zyrmont
