by Carolyn Abell
My only grandchild, Ophelia, was born in Germany in September 2006 and still lives there with her parents. Since her father (my son) is American, and her mother is German, Ophelia has both an American and a German passport. She maintains dual citizenship until she becomes 18, at which time she is required to make a choice between being American or being German. Naturally I hope that she will choose to be American. The tentative plan is that in a few years, when my son has completed his studies for an advanced degree at the German university, they will move to the United States. Meanwhile as Ophelia grows older, I am trying to educate her with respect to her American heritage.
On a recent shopping trip I found some cute little red, white, and blue outfits for her age group. I bought one for her and brought it home, with the intention of sending it in time for her to wear on the 4th of July. I am well aware that Germany does not celebrate that day as a holiday, but as part of Ophelia’s American heritage, I want her to be aware of the date and what it means. I also included a small U.S. flag in the package, along with a brief note for her parents to read to her, explaining what Independence Day is. As an afterthought, I included a copy of the Pledge of Allegiance—a gentle reminder to my son to teach it to her.
I want Ophelia to know what a great heritage she has. I want her to know that she had at least seven ancestors who fought the battle for American independence because they believed in liberty, freedom, and justice for all.
I have a copy of the Declaration of Independence framed and hanging on the wall of my office. As she becomes older, I want Ophelia to know the sacrifices and risks that the signers of this document faced, resulting from their decision to declare themselves and a new nation, independent of the tyrannical impositions of King George III. I want her to know that lives, homes, and fortunes were sacrificed because of their decision to act on their firmly held beliefs in the God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I want her to understand that American blood has stained the soil of countries around the globe, as courageous men and women have fought to protect our freedom and our sovereignty. I want her to know about her great-great uncle, Julian Brown Abell, who was held as a prisoner of war in a squalid German prison camp for 17 months during World War II. As one of the “greatest generation,” he knew the price of freedom, and he didn’t shrink from the responsibility to pay his share.
Most of all, I want Ophelia to know that this is still a land of opportunity and one in which millions of people still acknowledge God as the source of our blessings. Although many are trying to change our country from a democratic republic to a socialist nation-- debt-ridden, embracing non-Biblical teachings, and vulnerable to aggressive enemies-- men and women who still believe in the cherished values and ideals of our founding fathers are fighting daily to preserve our great legacy. I hope she one day understands the importance of defending our Constitution and Bill of Rights, which have stood the test of time longer than any other Constitution in the world.
I want her to understand that while people’s values may change, God’s values remain the same. He has bestowed great blessings on our land of the free and home of the brave. Former President Ronald Reagan said “If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” Some people believe the only reason we haven’t “gone under” yet is because of the prayers of the righteous.
When she is old enough, I hope Ophelia learns Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.”
I want to teach her to sing proudly:
“America, America, God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!”
(And I hope she understands why Grandma’s eyes become a bit moist and her voice quivers when she sings those words.)
Happy Independence Day, Ophelia. Never forget that you have a wonderful American heritage to love, protect and defend.
Copyright Carolyn Abell 2010
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