Marlen's Favorite Holiday

18 years ago

Happy 4th of July to all my forum friends. Those who have been around for a number of years will remember our dear friend, Marlen, who undoubtedly is leading the heavenly choir in singing our National Anthem today--her favorite holiday.

Take a stroll down Memory Lane with Marlen's 2003 post:

A Fourth of July Greeting from Your Resident Cuban

Posted by Marlen (My Page) on Fri, Jul 4, 03 at 1:44

Today we Americans celebrate my favorite holiday. Both DH and I are naturalized American citizens so this day is very special to us. He emigrated here from Germany and I from Cuba. On 11/11/61, when I was the age of 11, the people of this great country opened their arms and hearts and took me in. I didnÂt ask for a handout and never got one, but I was taught that through hard, honest work I, too, could achieve the American Dream. And I learned, and I worked and I have.

I wave Old Glory and hum God Bless America every day. So July 4th is the only day of the year I can actually appear normal.

IÂll be heading later to my familyÂs annual July 4th celebration, wearing a brand new red, white and blue outfit and wearing the lovely pin of the U.S. with which FlamingO gifted me, and which I wear almost every day. Even the dogs will be wearing new patriotic bandannas.

And we will sing the National Anthem and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, in various accents but meaning every word.

And we will pray for those members of our family who are serving our beloved country in the military, and all the brave men and women who serve alongside them. Because we came here seeking freedom, and we know only too well that freedom isnÂt free. Special hugs and a big kiss to rabbitÂs son, Jerm. who is a proud Marine. Semper fi, my dear!

And we will hold a minute of silence to pray for all the heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve that freedom.

And I am going to hug every veteran I run into, especially my own husband. To all the veterans and their families here at the KT, special hugs to you all. Know I will forever be grateful to you and in your debt.

And I am going to overeat, have fun, bask in patriotism and be surrounded by the love of family and friends.

And while I respect the patriotism of all my friends in foreign countries, I know only too well that American citizenship is sought after by many millions all over the world. And I am very lucky to have it and I can't help but be proud of it.

I was granted that privilege on 11/71, almost 10 years to the date of my arrival, and I am very grateful for it. I have tried to live every day since so that nobody ever regrets having bestowed such an honor upon me.

So thank you, my fellow Americans, for letting me in.

I wish you all the best Fourth of July ever!

God Bless America.

And may God also bless you, my dear fellow Americans.

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Comments (15)

gadgets
18 years ago
I think we, who were born in the USA and have a tendency to take it for granted, need to have this posted in a prominent place in our homes to read periodically. Every time someone posts one of Marlen's old July 4th posts, I get goosebumps, and a renewed feeling of gratitude for what I have. Marlen was a true blessing to our country.

Shirley
caroline94535
18 years ago
Oh this brought tears to my eyes. I remember, and miss, Marlen so much.

I'll think of her when I watch fireworks tonight.
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molly109
18 years ago
I didn't know her at all, but after reading this,
I will remember her always.

Thank you so much for sharing that - especially for
us newbies.
Nita__AZ
18 years ago
I miss Marlen all the time but especially on holidays. She made every holiday special and shared so much with us.
Velleen78
18 years ago
I remember her and have printed out several of her writings. To me she represents the feelings all US citizens should have.
She was a topnotch KTer.
Linda Wayman
18 years ago
I never had the honor of knowing her, but have read several things she wrote. She was an amazing lady and had a way with words. I have laughed until tears rolled down my cheeks at some of her posts. I took one of them to work a few years ago and shared it with a co-worker. He was so touched by it he asked me to please bring everything similar that she wrote so he could take it home to share with his wife. They didn't have a computer back then.

Marlen, I'll bet you are looking down at us right now urging us to say the blessing,say the pledge then have a happy, fun filled fourth. Are there fireworks in heaven?

Linda
msmarion
18 years ago
Thanks for reposting Marlen's message. It sounds like she was a wonderful person. I'm sorry I never knew her. I'm going to print it out to share with DH.
pattico_gw
18 years ago
Is her husband still alive? Does anyone know him or hear from him?

I don't know what made me think of that...just wondering.

I'll bet he's thinking about her today...how can you not think of her. I've told many people how she felt about being an American. We should all feel that way.

patti
petaloid
18 years ago
Thank you for sharing Marlen's heartfelt and colorful postings.

It appears that she was my age (which I consider young!) but I have not been around long enough to know how she passed away -- could you explain what happened to her?
liz
18 years ago
awww thanks for posting this Wanda...she truly was a GREAT American...maybe not born here, but she come here and truly relished and appreciated her new adopted country!
margad
18 years ago
I am wondering also. What happened to her?
maryanntx
18 years ago
I miss Marlen too and always think about her on the 4th. I wish I could have met her in person. I have a folder on my computer that I titled "Inspiration". In that folder I have her posts from the 4th for several years.

Marlen, if you are looking down at us here, I just want to wish you a very Happy July 4th!!!
lilliepad
18 years ago
Maryanne-would you mind posting some of Marlen's favorite holiday posts?I was telling DIL about her and what a delightful person she was and read the one on the other thread about making cookies.She laughed so hard she was crying! I know she would get a kick out of some of the others.
FlamingO in AR
18 years ago
I miss her, too. She was probably THE most patriotic American I could ever hope to "meet", and a fabulous cook. I have several of her recipes that she sent to me, knowing we would like them, especially since Woody grew up in a highly Cuban/American populated area near Tampa.

The KT was truly lucky to have a woman of her caliber on board. And SMART, my gosh, she was smart. Spoke many languages, worked as a translator and did things for the UN, if memory serves. Marlen was a super special lady.
ashli
18 years ago
I didn't know Marlen...(before my time here I guess)...Yes, she certainly had a way with words...would enjoy reading any or all of her old posts.

Marlen's Favorite Holiday

Comments (15)

gadgets

caroline94535

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