Reflecting on the 4th of July

Written originally on the 4th of July, 2021

I spent today reflecting on what it truly means to celebrate the 4th of July. The only thing that came to my mind was the word "free."

This country gave me my freedom that I lost in my homeland... for free.

This country allowed me to choose whatever I want, for free.

This country allowed me to read and write and think without having a gun to my head or forced to read what I don't believe in... for free

This country let me choose my path, carve it out, and allow my own children in the future to live... for free

This country doesn't care if you are loyal, if you are generous, if you're honest, if you are decent, if you are racist, if you are justified in your argument. Because this country allowed me to be free.

The only price I had to pay was... nothing

I admit in front of God that I can never repay this home that accepted me as I am without having to live a dual identity. This country loves and accepts everyone and is the only country to ever give meaning to the phrase "land of the free, home of the brave"

My prayer is that God keeps America for those who have worked their butt off to make a living for others before themselves. This country, the Constitution, all the municipal codes and judicial decisions, the certain, unalienable rights granted to us as residents of this amazing country, the freedom to be and to create a living, all rests on the backs of those who struggled, and still do, most in silence, to make a living and a home for their families, their community, their faith, their culture. I can never say I left Egypt because even though I was thousands of miles away, I found the United States allowing me to live and learn more about my homeland. I am a proud Egyptian, and an even prouder Copt, but I cannot deny that I love this country with all that the heart has to love. How can a person hate someone that loves him for who he is?

God Bless the United States of America, the land of the free, home of the brave.