Emma Lazarus & Immigration Ban by Diane Burton

Last week’s news about the ban on Muslims hit Facebook like a firestorm. But this is nothing new. Too many times in our nation’s past, there have been shameful incidents, for example interring Japanese Americans during World War II. 

Unless your family is Native American, we are all the sons and daughters of immigrants, or maybe immigrants ourselves. Our ancestors were not all welcomed with open arms. “Irish need not apply” once graced Help Wanted signs. Foreigners were given derogatory epithets. Still are.

I do believe in strongly, thoroughly checking out those who want to come to America. We have laws in place to do that. Those charged with that responsibility should do their duty. But a ban on people because of their religion or ethnic origin isn’t morally right. Isn’t it against our Constitution?

Just because reviling of newcomers is part of our past doesn’t mean it should be our present and future. Aren’t we better than this? Is Emma Lazarus’ poem on the Statue of Liberty a lie?

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

I am so grateful that my father-in-law, my sister-in-law, my great-grandparents, and the rest of my ancestors came to the U.S. and were allowed in.

Because I blog on the 30th of the month, I'll see you again in March.

Honoring Soldiers From Generations Past

Vonnie (Seilheimer) Davis

Ten generations ago, Nicholas Johann Seilheimer walked eight miles to board a boat to travel from his home in Framersheim, Germany bound for Rotterdam, Holland. His destination, the New World. On that boat ride on the Rhine, he met Marslia Elizabeth Pohl of Hausland, Germany. Whether it was a whirlwind courtship or two scared strangers, who thought they'd fare better in a new land as a couple, I don't know, but my immigrant ancestors were married when they reached Rotterdam on September 8, 1773. They stepped aboard "The Charming Molly" and sailed for Philadelphia, landing on October 22, 1773.

A point of humor here. What does the name Seilheimer mean? Someone of wisdom? Someone of grace? A person who does good for the community? Sadly, no. It means someone who makes rope at home.

With the coming of the Revolutionary War, Nicholas enlisted in the Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery in 1777. The first battle in which he participated was the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. It was a rough day for the Colonial Army, and those who survived at day's end left their cannons behind. Nicholas struggled to save his--oh, we Germans are stubborn. For his efforts, George Washington gave him a medal and he was promoted into Washington's private guard.

Nicholas survived the war and, later, took part in the Whiskey Rebellion. Family records do not indicate which side he fought on in that skirmish.

My immigrating ancestors bore eight children and lived their time in the new world in various parts of Pennsylvania--Philadelphia, Lancaster and Chambersburg.

Vonnie Davis writes for Random House Loveswept. Visit her website at www.vonniedavis.com.

I Love the USA by Barbara Edwards

With everyone talking about romantic love this month, I had a hard time deciding on a love topic. I was going to do a travel post about this beautiful country but need to find the right pictures... So....  

Being the grand-daughter of immigrants is the most powerful reason why I love this country. I remember my Grand-mother at the age of sixty decided to become a citizen. She had to learn to read and write English to take the exam although she was already fluent in Polish. She was always a stay-at-home wife although she arrived here with the promise of a job as a second story maid for the Parsons Estate. My Grand-father was the head gardener there.

My other Grandmother emigrated with a Jewish family who needed a child-care worker to help the nanny.  My Grand-father and his brothers were sent to the Americas by their father when the Russian Army conscripted all the young men from Poland. They were go to Brazil, but my Grand-father was so sea-sick he refused to continue after they reached New York.

They prized this country. It gave them the opportunity to find jobs, buy homes and raise their children without fear of the government.

Maybe the fact my uncles fought in WWII in France, Italy, North Africa and the Pacific Theater for the Army, Navy and Marines adds to my belief this country is worth my love. PS my aunt riveted airplane wings and my Father worked in the Brooklyn Navy Yards on the ships.

Don’t let me forget my husband is a retired policeman, another way to serve and love your country. My grandson is going to college to take up law enforcement.  

This country enabled me to be the first in my family to get a college degree. I worked as a waitress to pay my tuition and for my books until I got a scholarship. Then I worked at the school to pay part of my costs.

I try to write that love into my historical romances. I know my children love this country. My daughter Theresa and her husband Donald Spahr were in the Army. My oldest son and his wife retired from the Navy. My youngest son was in the Navy on a submarine. Another grandson and a granddaughter are in the Navy.

To this day I hear the National Anthem and choke up. I can’t sing God Bless America without crying.

 I love the United States of America. I hope you take the time to remember why you do, too.

 Visit www.barbaraedwards.net for free reads and excerpts from my books.