Today, July 4th, takes me back to my childhood home. One of the sweetest memories I have growing up in New York City is the view of the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry. Growing up, I lived on Staten Island and, for a few years, went to Brooklyn Technical High School, a magnet type of engineering school. I have vivid memories of seeing Lady Liberty as I traveled to school each day (I took a bus, ferry and subway) and think that she represents some of the best things about America. A poem by Emma Lazarus is engraved on a tablet within the pedestal on which the statue stands. Here is what it says:The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
With an immigration bill being debated in congress, please join me in praying for America ... that we would be a people who care for the poorest amongst us and shows love for the immigrant. While you are at it pray for our churches and religious groups that care for our homeless, hurting and struggling brothers and sisters. Lady Liberty would appreciate it.
Happy 4th of July
ReplyDeleteI think our Country has forgotten the reasons upon which it was formed.
ReplyDeletePraying for our hurting Country and those who are the decision makers.
Happy Fourth of July Bob and your precious wife.
Lovely thoughts and prayer. Happy 4th to you!
ReplyDeleteIt seems we are often too concerned about enforcing the law and preserving our lifestyle than helping people in need. I agree we should pray for change.
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th to you.
enjoy your holiday.
ReplyDeleteI think that a few comments reflect the frustration that many in our country experience when the topic of immigration comes up. Interesting how many are not welcoming of immigrants when we consider that the vast majority of us have immigrant roots.
ReplyDelete