Grateful for this amazing nation

link Sandy Fields

Local columnist

So many reasons I’m beyond thrilled to be an American. Truly, my list could go on and on. Well, you know how I love to travel, so my thoughts take me there today. I’m so thankful to hold an American passport with all the freedom it provides. I come and go throughout geographical and political borders with ease, and when I step back on U.S. soil, customs agents greet me with a smile and a “Welcome Home!”

A couple of years ago I found myself in the fishing village of Mollendo, Peru. We’d ridden a bus a few miles from where our ship was docked beside various tankers. The citizens of Mollendo weren’t sure what to make of our unexpected crew. I tried describing our barco grande crucero to a curious woman in the vegetable market. She’d obviously never seen or heard of one.

My frustration is in telling the story. I can’t always convey the depth of that moment. The woman wasn’t unadventurous or unlearned. She simply had no opportunity to see the world as I see it.

From sea to shining sea and around the globe, I’m forever grateful for this amazing nation. Happy Birthday to the USA!

Sandy keeps an online journal at her website http://www.field-days.com. E-mail her at [email protected].