This Land Is Your Land

What I'm Wearing: Star Shirt, Merona, T-Shirt: Apt 9, Shorts: H&M, Shoes: Apt 9

"This Land Is Your Land"

Dear readers, 
Happy Fourth Of July! I can't believe we are 7 months into the year. 5 more months to go and 2017 will be a thing of the past. Every year when Fourth Of July comes around people celebrate America, the history, and the great accomplishments this nation has achieved. This year there is a bitter sweet feeling in the air with all that is going on here in the states and the world. As a grandson of non American citizens and the son of US territory citizens I celebrate all of the non Americans living in America striving for that dream we call, the American dream. Through 50 states, roads, mountains, deserts, water, and millions of citizens we must continue to make the America of our dreams. The America that we want the next generation of dreamers to come to and thrive for a better life and a better tomorrow. This is America, and regardless of what some people may say ALL are welcome. This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land, and i'm going to break down the true meaning of this holiday made for you and me. 

As I think back to when I was a kid, I remember learning the pledge of allegiance for the very first time. President Bush was in office and we had to learn all the previous presidents and the national anthem in kindergarten to perform and recite for our parents at the end of the year. I remember my teacher Ms Hundrath explaining to us why it was important to know about our countries history. Why those stars and stripes on the flag were so important. I got to learn 2 cultural histories growing up. At home it was my  families native island of Guam and at school it was all about America and how all the different cultures, races, and religions come together to form a special bond within a country known for being free. My parents left the island in the eighties to come to America to find more opportunities that were not offered on Guam. Just because it is a US territory does not mean Guam has the same rights as America. Guam is still not as evolved as America. For example, you can vote for the mayor and governor, but you can't vote for a US president unless you live on the mainland. Guam is very tiny, but very homey. My parents left behind their comfort zone and family to come here to start anew on a massive land that promised more opportunities for people from an island like Guam or a country like the Philippines, where another part of the world my family is from. This whole outfit is tribute to the flag and the iconic stars and colors on them. I don't have to break it down and describe why I chose the pieces because it's very obvious. But I will talk about the stars. Why did I make the stars the centerpiece of this outfit? As I have been bringing up about growing up around 2 very different cultures, I bring us back to my memories growing up in school and learning about America. What I love about America is you can go to school and learn so much as a kid. We learn about different people and the backgrounds their families come from. The 50 stars on the flag stand for 50 states, but they also stand for each and every one of us and our individual history. All of our families have a background and majority of the people living in this country started their roots on another land somewhere in this world. Lately people have lost faith in America because of new leadership, but I believe we should not loose faith in a country older than the people leading it. All of us have had family members and loved ones shape this country into what it is today. Why turn on a country because of the people leading it? The country, this land, did nothing wrong. Yes, someone is in office that majority of the world does not care for, but is he making America for us? It may seem like it, but through the misjudgments and hate that fills human souls the answer is no. We the people make America ourselves. We are still the country that people come to, to start over and be FREE. We are still living in the home of the brave. Laws and rules may change, but the heart of America does not. Our hearts keep beating and keep shooting stars into the sky like the fireworks we watch every 4th of July and the stars we see flying on that beautiful flag throughout our towns, cities, and states. Each and every one of our various nationalities, religions, orientations, etc, we stand for those stars on that flag. We must continue to show the world that this land is still made for everyone, no matter who they are and where they come from. We have to keep waving our flag for this country, our individual flags to represent where our roots are from,  and our personal flags to show our unique personalities. You mix that all together and you get the American flag. Look beyond what is in the headlines and see that somewhere between the laws and rules still stands the American dream in the land of the free.

I looked over at the Golden Gate bridge and thought about how many people who weren't born in America that built that iconic bridge to create a true American landmark. There are millions who were born and raised in America, but like I said there are millions who come here and made America better. American citizens owe a great debt to all the foreigners and immigrants who helped evolve this country. The people in this country have had their weak and doubtful moments. Everyone makes mistakes, but it's up to us to learn from that and do better so we can continue to live and thrive in a beautiful land like America. We have to prove we are worthy of a land that can offer us so much. To everyone who may feel like you are unwanted in a country based on hope and freedom, please don't feel discouraged. There is still so much to see and so much to do here in this land. There is still more evolutions to be made. We as American citizens still have a lot to learn. The only way we are going to learn is to learn from each other. Just like how we learned from each other growing up in school. Don't be scared to honor where you come from. Your roots help shape America's roots. Because without the variety of humans living in this land, we would not be America. Follow your dreams whatever that may be. Sometimes you may think it's "Time To Pretend" and hide who you truly are, but its okay to follow your heart, listen to your soul and keep on thriving to keep America the land that was made for you and me. 

My generation is the generation of tomorrow stepping up to the plate today. We must speak up so the generation below us knows that they have a voice that can be heard. It may not seem like it but what you put out in the world, people can hear that. The more good you do, the more good you'll see come right back to you. Don't be idiotic and and harass the American Flag like some people have been doing these past few months, don't say vial things about the man in charge of the country, all of that is not going to do any good. You can speak up, but you don't have to do it with violence and hate. Fire with fire only creates a larger fire. Keep doing you and focusing on the greater good, because tomorrow is a new day, and we are in the land of the free home of the brave. We still have a lot to do and accomplish for the America of tomorrow. 

​Happy Fourth Of July.
May god bless you and keep you safe.
Don't forget - You are loved, no matter who you are and where you come from.
​Love, Dom 

Photographer: Joanna Wheeler​

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Every post I will include the song that inspired me to build a post around it's title. ​​​​

PAGE 13
Stories From My Life - Chapter 2