Immigrants boast genuine appreciation for Fourth of July
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To Irishman Robert Tierney, the Fourth of July is a day to "return the favor."
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Beneath the millions of celebratory fireworks bursting against the summer night sky tonight, thousands of U.S. immigrants will carry out their own holiday traditions in the Pittsburgh area to honor the independence of their newfound home.
While countless Americans across the country celebrate Independence Day with parades, barbecues, picnics and fireworks, it may be the foreign-born residents who are able to look past the hoopla surrounding the Fourth of July and truly appreciate the holiday for what it is.
Marie Therese Rowland, 40, fled to America in 2002 from the Togolese Republic. During that time, Togo's people in power were harming constituents who challenged the president's political agenda.
Her grandfather defied the president and, as the dispute escalated, their family was no longer safe in the country. They fled to America and were granted political asylum without legal representation in September 2003.
"America saved my life," she said. "The U.S. is free and we have to celebrate that."
Ms. Rowland, along with her husband and two children, were granted permanent residency in 2004 through the Jewish Family and Children's Service in Squirrel Hill.
The family from Togo now makes its home in Sheraden, where Ms. Rowland owns and operates a hair salon that specializes in African braiding.
This July 4th is of particular significance to the African because it marks the last Independence Day she'll celebrate without U.S. citizenship. The mother of two said she will take the naturalization exam on Wednesday to become an official U.S. citizen, and will take the oath in August.
As a U.S. citizen, she'll be able to leave the country and visit her remaining family in Togo.
"I'll be able to go wherever I want and do whatever I want to do," she said. "Anything is possible in America. I'm so happy."
First Published July 4, 2011 12:35 am
