In 2024, the United States of America turned 248 years old. On the night of July 4th, I joined hundreds, possibly thousands, of Americans near the Lincoln Memorial in the nation’s capital to watch the fireworks and celebrate the country’s birthday. The splendid display lasted about 25 minutes.
Young American Patriots
When the fireworks ended, a massive crowd made its way down 23rd Street to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station. Walking with the crowd gave me a precious opportunity to take a glimpse into American patriots in their element. Most young people and children were dressed patriotically, with American flags printed on their hats, shirts, shorts, skirts, hair decorations, and even shoes. They were joyful and excited.
I was impressed by these young Americans. They chatted, giggled, and walked briskly, yet no one was pushing or stepping on anyone’s toes. Instead, they kept a respectful distance from each other, were polite and considerate, and even struck up conversations with strangers. Remarkably, there was no need for policemen to maintain order.
For me, this was a sharp contrast with the crowds in Beijing, China, where I was born and lived for 40 years. In China, the government often deploys hundreds of policemen to control crowds for events like this. Despite such strong, centralized order enforcement, chaos still occurs frequently—yelling, cursing, and fighting are common. Some individuals even steal and rob purses and wallets during these chaotic situations. We, Chinese, often blame our overwhelming population, but it is the root of communism that we should condemn.
The longer I live in the U.S., the more I learn about and believe in American exceptionalism. The United States is unique in that it was founded on an idea, a universally accepted philosophy. As stated in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Christian American Patriots
“Living in the United States is a blessing from God,” Sister Georgiana from my church often says. She is from Ghana.
“Please pray for America and ask God to give wisdom to the U.S. President and government leaders,” Sister Verona from Nigeria and Sister Grace from the Philippines frequently tell our Bible teacher during Sunday school. This prayer request is a regular part of our Bible study and congregation meetings every Sunday. My church people love America. For them, prayer is a way to defend and support this nation.
Most members of our church are new immigrants from Asia, Africa, Europe, Central America, and South America. They worship God and believe that this country was founded by people with strong faith who humbled themselves before God. Our Bible teacher, Sister Nellie, shared that the Founding Fathers spent countless hours praying for God to give them wisdom to make godly decisions for this country.
The National Day of Prayer has a vivid description of how the Founding Fathers prayed:
On May 24, 1774, Thomas Jefferson drafted a Resolution for a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer to be observed as the British blockaded Boston’s Harbor.
Robert Carter Nicholas, Treasurer, introduced the Resolution in the Virginia House of Burgesses, and, with support of Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee and George Mason, it passed unanimously: “This House, being deeply impressed with apprehension of the great dangers, to be derived to British America, from the hostile invasion of the City of Boston, in our sister Colony of Massachusetts… deem it highly necessary that the said first day of June be set apart, by the members of this House as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, devoutly to implore the Divine interposition, for averting the heavy calamity which threatens destruction to our civil rights…Ordered, therefore that the Members of this House do attend…with the Speaker, and the Mace, to the Church in this City, for the purposes aforesaid; and that the Reverend Mr. Price be appointed to read prayers, and the Reverend Mr. Gwatkin, to preach a sermon.”
George Washington wrote in his diary, June 1, 1774: “Went to church, fasted all day.”
According to President George Washington, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”
American Patriots Living in Appalachia
I met Angie during my doctoral program. Angie once said, “The first time we met, we were sitting in a class waiting for our professor, but I know it’s God who brought us together.” She was amazed that a Chinese woman, indoctrinated by the Communist Party for decades, had committed to following Jesus.
Angie and I became best friends, like peas and carrots. During holidays, she always took me home with her. Angie’s mom became like a mother to me, and her mamaw enjoyed eating ice cream with me. We had cookouts for Memorial Day and went to church barbecues to celebrate the 4th of July. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, Angie’s family invited me to join them, enjoying traditional American turkey feasts and giving thanks to God and this country.
Angie and her family never preached patriotism in front of me. Yet, their generosity and welcoming nature showed an unembellished standard of American patriotism—everyday people living simple lives, observing American traditions, and practicing love and kindness.
I appreciate the freedom and opportunities this country has given me. I continually seek ways to give back to this nation that I love so much. Although I am not a U.S. citizen, I know I am an American patriot.