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Filipino American Patriotism

© Johanna Francisco

As tragic as the event on September 11, there have been some positive outcomes. One is the ripple effect of patriotism that has swept across the land. Through the course of event, most of us have been taken for a ride on a roller coaster of emotions, from the depths of fear and heights of fierce pride. For a Filipino American such as myself, especially for someone who was not born in this country and has vivid recollections of the Mother country that she left behind, the closest analogy I can think of is the feelings of an adopted child to her adopted Mother. This mother, though she did not give birth to her, raised, nurtured, educated and cared for her. The United States has been the home that offered comfort and safe haven for the past 21 years.

I have had issues regarding family and culture and identity crisis. There were times when I had resented the situation I was handed despite the opinion of many that I am fortunate. But underneath, a growing fondness had started to sprout. Perhaps the seeds were planted during grade school when we were being fed the stories of the American Revolution, the leadership of George Washington and the braveness of Paul Revere. Before we proceeded to higher learning, we had to pass the Constitution Test. We gained an understanding of our privileges as citizens of this great country. Unfortunately, we had taken it for granted as we go into adulthood. Democracy. Liberty. Freedom. These words fascinated me in grade school in the same manner as Greek Mythology. It stirred the imagination and ignited a warmth in the heart I was too young to define.

Some may wonder, how can someone who is of a different color, race and nationality feel patriotism for America? That is the beauty of this country. It had opened its doors to so many of those whose only qualification is a desire for a better quality of life. Most immigrants would try to hold on to the life they knew by maintaining practice of their customs and retaining their language. My family was no different. But I think most of us who are immigrants are fully aware that this is our home now. Most decent human beings also feel a level amount of gratitude for a place that had given them security and the basic necessities of living.

The Filipinos in particular have had a longstanding love-hate relationship with the Americans since the Spanish-American War. However, as facts would prove it, the Filipinos have been intertwined with this country’s history even before the birthing of the Nation. It has been mentioned in Filipino American historical records that there were Filipinos fighting the British alongside the Colonial militia during the American Revolution. Patriotic sentiments are definitely not new to the Filipinos who have lived here in America.

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