On 4th of July, I usually think of June 1989.

Visiting Pearl Harbor on Sept-2010.

Why do I say that? On June 1989, I took a solemn oath and received my U.S. citizenship in Memphis, Tennessee, along with 300 others. Did that make us Tennesseans? I don't know, but we became Americans (I must say that I already felt "American" since I was born in South America, Peru to be exact).

I remember wearing a new dress for the event, raising my hand, and promising among many oaths; to do whatever I could to protect this country. I then received my naturalization certificate and drove three hours back home. - Had they call me to enlist, I would have seriously considered it, I was only 24 years old and felt quite invincible...

When the attacks on September 11, 2001 happened in New York, my patriotic spirit shone again and I tried to join the local police department, but missed the mark for a couple of minutes on a 7 minute 14 second physical challenge and rigorous test (six women tried, only three passed). Ah, and yes, I was the oldest girl there, imagine that. (I was too old for the military -36 is old? Well, rules are rules)

After not qualifying, I decided to take their Citizen's Police Academy course and passed and also volunteered for their crime scene unit, giving almost 200 hours.

I believe that not joining the service nor qualifying with the police to defend my country was because God had a different plan for me. So, please enjoy your Freedom on Independence Day on this 4th of July weekend.

 Happy  Fourth  Everyone! 

ElenaMartina.