nwasianweekly.com
July 5, 2008

Are you a patriot?

Compiled by Staff
Northwest Asian Weekly

Happy Birthday, America! This Independence Day, the Northwest Asian Weekly wanted to know people’s attitude towards the Fourth of July. We asked community members several questions about the holiday and their own patriotism: “Do you celebrate the Fourth of July? Do you celebrate it as an act of patriotism? How do you show patriotism throughout the year? Do you also celebrate the independence day of your country of heritage?”

Every year I celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends. (And) I definitely celebrate as an act of patriotism. I think it’s important for us to remember the battles that were fought and the lives (that) were lost in our country’s effort to obtain and defend its freedom. Hopefully, our country never stops celebrating these efforts.

Outside of July Fourth, I try to show patriotism through smaller, day-to-day acts. I vote in every election, I place my right hand over my heart during the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, be it in a classroom or at a baseball game, and I don’t defame my country because I disagree with a policy, politician or recent event.

I honor and celebrate my country of heritage through other traditions and celebrations, but because I view myself as an American, I only celebrate the United States’ Independence Day.
Jessica Mikasa,
public relations

I celebrate this day of observance with my family and commemorate the holiday with traditional activities such as cookouts and watching fireworks. The Fourth of July is the birthday of our national independence and political freedom. Let us not forget that independence is the “spirit and heart” of this country. We should all reflect on the bravery of those who risked their lives in signing the Declaration of Independence. They were courageous individuals fighting for what they knew was right. Through my interaction in the community as a Seattle city councilmember, I believe it is as critical as ever to fight for fairness and justice. I must be the people’s advocate.
Bruce Harrell,
Seattle city councilmember

We celebrate the Fourth of July by going to the fireworks display with our friends at the Bellevue Downtown Park where we see Lily Jang, our good friend, hosting the annual entertaining evening. We also put our flag out as a strong message of support to those that have (fought) or are fighting for our continued freedom. What a great country!
Ted Yamamura,
founder and co-developer of the Executive Development Institute

Officially, July 1 is Canada’s equivalence of July 4 in the U.S. I don’t celebrate July 1 in Canada, but rather bemoan that date because in 1923, the government of Canada in Ottawa passed the “exclusion act” banning all Chinese from entering Canada. For me, as an Asian American and Asian Canadian, July 1 is rather “National Humiliation” day.

July 1 reminds me and many Asians in Canada that the Chinese were the only people ever officially excluded by an act of parliament from Canada.

The exclusion act ended in 1947 — two years after the end of WW II and two years after my four uncles who enlisted in the armed services of Canada came home. They fought for Canada and the Allies even when Chinese people could not come to Canada and they fought as “non-citizens.”

1947 was also the year that the Chinese gained the franchise as Canadian citizens. The first large influx of Chinese came to Canada from San Francisco in 1858. So for 89 years (1858-1947), the Chinese were non-citizens in Canada.
Tony Chan,
writer, producer and lecturer

I’ve been out of the country the last few years for the Fourth (but) if I’m in the U.S., I get together with friends to watch fireworks. … I’m not very patriotic (otherwise).
Donna Ma,
development officer for Wing Luke Asian Museum

I consider myself a good American, grateful for all the opportunities and resources we are so fortunate to enjoy here, and Fourth of July celebrations are an important way to remind us of our good fortune and (to) not take anything in our lives for granted.

Having been here since the age of 9, my family has not held a tradition of celebrating Taiwanese Independence although I remember wishing this when I was younger as I remember happy celebration parades when I was a toddler in Taipei.
Regina Yeh,
pianist

The Philippines was granted its independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. Filipinos here and abroad always celebrated this day as “Independence Day.” Today, it is known as “Fil-Am Friendship Day” because the Philippines and all Filipinos worldwide now celebrate “Independence Day” (from Spain, June 12, 1898) every June. This year, the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS) celebrated Independence Day with a flag raising (U.S. and Philippine flags) ceremony at the Filipino Community Center on June 13, and a search for the FCS Mrs. Philippine Independence on June 14.
Bert Caoili,
president of FCS

(I celebrate the Fourth of July) usually in the family-and-friends sort of way. Not really (as an act of patriotism). I celebrate it more as a day of freedom from work.

I can’t say I (practice patriotism the rest of the year), aside from refraining from saying nasty things about the U.S. and our current administration. Also, by appreciating the freedom and quality of life in the U.S. I guess it depends on your definition of patriotism.

Lei Ann Shimiku,
proprietor of MOMO

I love taking my two sons to watch the fireworks on Lake Union to celebrate the Fourth of July. I am grateful for the opportunity to live, work and play in this country. I love to travel around the world to explore new places and experience new cultures. However, whenever the plane lands and we enter the U.S., there is a part of me that swells up with gratitude and love about living here, especially in Seattle. Many people complain about the border people, but I really believe our U.S. Customs people are the best in the world.

I show patriotism by exclaiming to everyone I choose to live in the United States. There is nowhere else I rather choose to live. The U.S. is home.

We don’t celebrate China’s independence day, which is in early October. Neither do the over 30 of my relatives who were born in China and live in the Seattle area now.

James Wong,
co-founder/chief executive officer, Avidian Technologies

Send correspondence to:
Northwest Asian Weekly • P.O. Box 3468 • Seattle • WA  98114
Tel: 206.223.5559 •  Fax: 206.223.0626 • Email: info@nwasianweekly.com
Please bookmark this site: www.nwasianweekly.com.