Patriotism

I'm not into it myself, but I know how much it means to my parents, particularly my father, who is a first generation American and so happy to have achieved what he has. 

I realise it's our daughter's choice as a dual citizen where she wants to make her home, and that must be respected just as my parents respected my choice to make my life in the UK.

So this year we did a small BBQ and decorated the house, did a cake w/a sparkly candle, played some songs my sister sent over for our daughter's benefit, dressed Aillidh, our daughter, up in some duds my sis sent over from Old Navy and took photies for the family. 

It's not my thing, but it means a lot to my family - and any excuse to eat cake makes Aillidh grin from ear to ear. 

I have always considered myself patriotic and have an American flag here that my husband bought me, though I don't fly it on a regular basis.  When I lived here 2 years ago we flew it on Thanksgiving and several neighbors popped in to ask about it.  I can't really understand disliking the country you were born in, especially considering for most of us it's the US.  Not exactly the worst place in the world to be from, the politics of the last few years not withstanding.  I was in the US last week and brought back a t-shirt that says "Everyone Loves an American Girl", which my husband assures me is absolutely true.  Meanwhile, my husband is a patriotic Englishman who served his country for 15 years and served in the first Gulf.  Not that he flies the Union flag or St. George's cross or anything, but he did get a sweatshirt from Next that said True Brit on it that he loves (especially when he's visiting the US).  Oh, and I didn't realize til I moved here that, according to hubbie, ANYTHING of consequence in the world was invented by the British.

I can't really understand disliking the country you were born in, especially considering for most of us it's the US.  

I don't think any of us had any real choice about where we were born... 

I can't really understand disliking the country you were born in, especially considering for most of us it's the US.  Not exactly the worst place in the world to be from, the politics of the last few years not withstanding.  

That's pretty much how I feel.  It wasn't for me, but at least I had the freedom to leave to explore other options.  And of course, millions of people are very happy there.  Good for them. 

I would say that it's less disliking where I was born and more prefering to be elsewhere. I've got nothing against the US except politics (which I take such exception to that I would never ever move back without not only the president, but the general climate changing considerably) but I would prefer to live elsewhere where the culture reflects my personality and interests more accurately. I appreciate that I was born there, but I'm much happier with England.... 

I would say that it's less disliking where I was born and more prefering to be elsewhere. I've got nothing against the US except politics (which I take such exception to that I would never ever move back without not only the president, but the general climate changing considerably) but I would prefer to live elsewhere where the culture reflects my personality and interests more accurately. I appreciate that I was born there, but I'm much happier with England.... 

Well said- I totally agree with you, especially about current American politics.  Having said that, settling in this time around has been a bit harder and I'm not sure anymore if I am happier in England than in the US.   They both have their pros and c ons and I guess at the end of the day it is all personal opinion.  I'm running about 60/40 England right now.  That could change at any time.

I can't really understand disliking the country you were born in, especially considering for most of us it's the US.

Why "especially" the US? Why the US  more than any other country? Just curious.

Like others, I don't dislike the US, but I do prefer it here. There's no way I'd move back. I've always held that if you complain about where you live, you should move. Vote with your feet.

I've always held that if you complain about where you live, you should move. Vote with your feet.

Spot on!  I couldn't agree more.  Life is too short and the world too big to be miserable.

I've always held that if you complain about where you live, you should move. Vote with your feet.

THANK YOU! 

 I was in the US last week and brought back a t-shirt that says "Everyone Loves an American Girl"

This is a bit off topic but it reminded me of the shirt my husband bought for me when we were in the states.  He bought this for me to wear here....lol http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/michelyn78/imported.jpg

This is a bit off topic but it reminded me of the shirt my husband bought for me when we were in the states.  He bought this for me to wear here....lol http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/michelyn78/imported.jpg

Oooo!!!  I have to own that!!!  That is so cute!!

~Liza

Oooo!!!  I have to own that!!!  That is so cute!!

~Liza

Heh... we saw it walking through the mall. I think it was at JC Pennies...some "Nick-It" brand they have there. He thought it was too funny and worth the $14 for something I wouldn't normally wear just to see me wear it in the UK.

cute T shirt!!

DH is bothered by why we even broke off in the first place.. he feels we  were  being  fussy spoiled children..  We laugh though that when the  English national  is played I can sing My Country Tis of Thee as  well.  same tune different words.. THAT  is going back to kindergarten!!

I've always been somewhat patriotic- for my country-England. I have a Union Jack in my home and on my car and on a t-shirt.

 We laugh though that when the  English national  is played I can sing My Country Tis of Thee as  well.  same tune different words.. THAT  is going back to kindergarten!!

Simon asked me why they were playing "God Save the Queen" at the Memorial Day parade!!  hehehe  I had to sing the "My Country Tis of Thee" words for him as the band passed by.  He just rolled is eyes and laughed. 

~Liza