September is National Americana Month, and therefore a time to celebrate the culture and traditions that are uniquely American.
Although America has often been described as a "melting pot" of every culture on the planet, it’s important that when someone immigrates here, that they adopt to us — not the other way around.
Theodore Roosevelt, who signed the Immigration Act of 1907 into law, probably explained it best:
He wrote in a 1919 letter to the president of the American Defense Society that to be treated equally as an American "is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American . . . There can be no divided allegiance here."
Roosevelt added that "Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag . . . We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language . . . and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
And if one wants to successfully assimilate into America, he must learn and adopt the culture and traditions that make us uniquely American.
Not only should anyone immigrating here review them, but so should too many of our elected officials.
Here are our top 10:
Freedom:
Freedom entails both a right and a responsibility.
In 1943 American artist and illustrator Normal Rockwell captured a series of four oil paintings to canvas called "Four Freedoms," based on an address made by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt. They’re titled "Freedom of Speech," "Freedom of Worship," "Freedom from Want," and "Freedom from Fear."
"Freedom of Speech" depicts what appears to be an ordinary laborer standing to speak at a town meeting, while everyone else, including a well-dressed businessman, listens respectfully and intently to what’s being said.
"Freedom of Worship," like freedom of speech, is enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution, and also has attached to it the responsibility to respect the religion of others. It depicts members of a congregation gathered at a service — some listening intently to what’s being said, others with their heads bowed — each practicing their faith in their own way.
"Freedom from Want" shows an elderly couple laying a large turkey at what appears to be a holiday dinner. Children are seen seated and smiling broadly. Yes, we have freedom from want in America, but it’s something we provide for ourselves in our own way and through our own labor.
"Freedom from Fear," depicts a young couple tucking their children into bed, knowing full well they’re secure in their homes from unreasonable searches by government as guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment.
Gun Rights:
Most Western countries call themselves "free," but America is unique in that it has a Second Amendment, guaranteeing law-abiding citizens the freedom to responsibly keep and bear arms. Few countries grant their citizens this right, and it’s been described as the ultimate freedom, one that protects our homes and our loved ones.
The American Dream:
The American Dream, like freedom, is also a responsibility. Each American has the same opportunity to pursue the occupation of their choice, limited only by their ability and imagination. Americans are encouraged to start their own business and purchase their own homes.
New businesses are a boon to the economy, and private homeowners are more apt to take better care of their property than do renters, making for a better, more prosperous community.
Self-Reliance:
American children are taught to be self-reliant at a young age when their mothers read books to them like "The Little Engine That Could" at bedtime. If they think they can, they probably can. Americans aren’t hampered by a caste or class system, and are known for their "can do" attitude.
Anyone immigrating legally into the United States also has to demonstrate that they won’t be a burden to society — that they "can do."
Language:
It’s often been said that Britain and America are two nations separated by a common language, and it’s true. Although the predominate, unofficial-official language in the United States is English, we clearly speak it differently. We have our own way of doing things, including expressing ourselves, and that includes numerous regional dialects.
Anyone who wants to start a new life here would be advised to learn the language — American English.
Activities and Sports:
America is a partying nation, and it doesn’t take much to find a reason to throw one. Backyard barbecues with friends and family, condo and block parties, and tailgating at sporting events are all popular, uniquely American pastimes.
And for sports, baseball, basketball, and football were all American-created. As for motorsports, Europe may lay claim to the Grand Prix, but we have something better — NASCAR.
Holidays:
In addition to religious holidays that are celebrated throughout the world, such as Christmas and Hanukkah, the United States has its own special, uniquely American holidays and traditions. And each one is another reason to party.
They include Independence Day, celebrated each July 4th with barbecues and fireworks, Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, and Halloween on Oct. 31.
Food:
America is known for its fast food, such as burgers, hot dogs, and fries, but we have lots more to offer, especially regionally.
Sandwiches include New England lobster rolls, Philly cheesesteaks, and Reubens. If you like your food in a bowl, we have chili, gumbo, and chowder. American sweet endings include Key lime pie and New York cheesecake.
Anyone hungry yet?
Literature:
The United States has produced some great, uniquely American authors, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mark Twain, James Fenimore Cooper, John Steinbeck, and Harper Lee.
And the tradition carries on to this day with noted novelists such as James Patterson, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, and John Grisham.
Music:
There are a lot of music genres that are rooted in the United States. Jazz is distinctly American, rhythm&blues in distinctly American, rock ’n’ roll is distinctly American. Many of them originated in the American South, primarily from African American culture.
And they’re all enjoyed the world over.
Michael Dorstewitz is a retired lawyer and has been a frequent contributor to Newsmax. He is also a former U.S. Merchant Marine officer and a Second Amendment supporter. Read Michael Dorstewitz's Reports — More Here.