Adding My Link To The American Chain

By Chris Rivera

For those of you who have visited America’s birthplace on July 4^th, Philadelphia boasts a wonderful lineup of events filling Independence Week, culminating in a fun-filled day of activities throughout the city, open to all. Locally-based convenience store Wawa recently took over as main sponsor, adding to the significance of the Philadelphia metropolitan area  4^th of July Independence celebrations. I have had the privilege of participating in the Welcome America parade on and off for over 10 years, thanks to my involvement in local Filipino non-profits.

As a youth in the parade, I can clearly remember how much in awe I was in how many people lined the streets of Philadelphia to put their patriotism on full display. It felt good to see all the smiling faces, to hear the applause in appreciation of our participation, to witness all the joy of the families spending the day together, to see the sea of red, white, and blue as we marched up and down city streets. The experience has always been of good memories, just as, I am sure, the experiences of all the people I have passed as part of the parade, have likewise been of good memories.

I can fairly say that my participation in this year’s edition of the parade moves me into the “veterans” category, compared to the younger members of our contingent of Filipino Americans. Despite this, it took me until this year to realize my place in the chain that is the United States of America. For those that watch the parade from home, all you see is each element of the parade. The announcers talk about who you see marching across your television screen, and maybe some interesting fact about them. All you see is the people, often dressed in ornate costumes, or playing marching band instruments, or riding meticulously assembled floats. The broadcast is regularly interrupted by advertisements of the major sponsors. Growing up, I was one of those viewers from home, subconsciously feeling disconnected from the events on display, but comfortable on my couch. For those that stand by on the sidewalks as the parade rolls by, you see more because you’re obviously much closer. You can hear the roar of the crowd as each group walks by. You sweat from the midsummer heat. You feel the fatigue from patiently waiting. Regardless, there are always differing perspectives on the same series of events. Regardless, everyone walks away with a renewed sense of unity, just like our forefathers on that date decades ago.

What I did not realize until now is that the parade, itself, is a microcosm of the United States of America. The lineup of participants has its regulars, as well as annual newcomers. You know you will see marching bands, and floats. Every year, there are singers, and dancers, and many ethnicities are represented. The theme of the parade may change year to year, just as the weather is unpredictable, and can differ year to year. The list of participants always has an influx of newcomers, just as immigrants continue to augment our cultural landscape, as many have since the birth of our nation. Yet also, there are traditions that are rooted deep in our history. Each element of the parade is a chain, creating one long and unique identity. Take one link out, or add one link, and the identity of the parade is different. Such is the landscape of our great country. What makes our country so special is that there are chain links constantly being added and yes, changing the identity of the chain, but strengthening the chain. As our country continues to become more diverse, it continues to expand our understanding of the human condition. It provides the nation, as a whole, with different perspectives, just like observers of the parade at home have a different experience than that of observers in person. Every day, events play out that continue to add to the chain of events that constitutes our nation’s history. Whether good or bad, events become a part of the fabric of our country. We continue to learn from our mistakes, and we celebrate our successes. The fabric continues to be augmented and the parade goes on.

Next year will be the 240^th birthday of our nation. People will line the streets of Philadelphia in anticipation of the parade, just as they have before. People will gather around televisions waiting, just as they have before. People will gather at the designated assembly area to prepare for the parade. The cast of characters will once again slightly change, but what won’t change is the fact that the parade will march on.