With the recent death of my father, family history is on my mind. Three of my grandparents were immigrants; two arrived at Ellis Island from Eastern Europe as 18 year olds, one was a 4 year old Irish child brought here to become a son for a childless Aunt & Uncle.

Coming to America changed their lives. My maternal grandmother was deeply patriotic and so very grateful that she was able to leave Eastern Europe at age 18 to live the majority of her life in the United States. She made that clear to us when my sisters and I were children. “Be happy you live in the USA and…get an education.” That, was the mantra we grew up hearing. Our indoctrination if you will, because our grandmother never had the opportunity to go to school. She was illiterate and wanted more for her daughter and grandchildren. All four of us worked our way thru post high school educations. I wish our grandparents had been alive to see those achievements. It would have meant a lot to them.

As you enjoy the City organized professional fire works displays don’t forget those who came before you. They laid the foundation for your survival and in many cases success. Their sacrifices were to your benefit. I’m not just talking about economics but rather all the challenges they overcame (language, discrimination, education and economics) to establish a new life which in many cases paved the way for the next generation to have a better one. We have had choices our grandparents did not necessarily have.

Today’s walk was on Crissy Field and the Presidio ground in San Francisco. As I walked past the waifs of charcoal BBQ smells and people strategically setting up their temporary camps for tonight’s fireworks display, I noticed how ethnically diverse the families and gatherings were. This is the stuff we Americans are made of. The melting pot. Unless you have Native American roots (and even if you do) you are a part of the melting pot. All or some of your ancestors probably came here from somewhere else like mine did. Cultural diversity and building community via activities like holiday potlucks and gatherings are important and I think the key to our strength. We are better together. That’s what gives me hope and cause to celebrate.

Happy Independence Day! In addition to lots of the two legged variety, today I spotted 3 white Pelicans, a harbor seal, a large flock of brown pelicans, and 5 marbled murrelets. Enjoy my pics! #iluvtowalk #sanfrancisco #crissyfield #nps #presidio

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