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Annette Wilzig's avatar

Great article. I'm a first generation American. My parents immigrated from Germany back in the late 40s; my father was a survivor of Auschwitz. So I feel such gratitude to be an American and living a life of freedom even though some politics have tried to stifle that freedom. While it feels overwhelming when I witness the unfairness and tragedies of issues of our planet, I try to locally help those I am able to in my own ways. I love our country with all her faults and problems as there's so much to feel thankful for as well as a lot of beauty that does exist and some really good people here.

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Cecil Touchon's avatar

"I'm a first generation American. My parents immigrated from Germany back in the late 40s; my father was a survivor of Auschwitz. "

Oh wow, I didn't know that. There has to be an amazing story there that I would some time like to hear. Thanks for posting! And for the coffee!

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Annette Wilzig's avatar

One little tidbit about my father......he was an artist by nature and got some extra paper, paint/pencils and drew pictures for the guards to bring home as gifts for their families and they'd give him extra food for that. Oh, the stories he told me......he was a true survivor. I have his striped jacket he wore.

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Cecil Touchon's avatar

Wow.

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Mim's avatar

Lovely. And recently, two people I know have chosen to become American citizens! They give me hope and humble me - for my privilege to complain and work at helping my country “live up to its ideals.”

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Annette Wilzig's avatar

Well said, Mim. You're right....it is a privilege to be able to complain about the country yet "work at helping our country live up to its ideals." We must never take our freedoms for granted.

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