ON Monday, America celebrates its 246th anniversary since declaring independence from England on July 4, 1776. It is a national holiday, an extended holiday weekend.

The Guyanese diaspora in the USA observes and celebrates the occasion by participating in flag hoisting and other patriotic activities, parades, and barbecues and other traditional festivities.

Many use it for travels, patronising public parks, fishing, playing cricket and other sports, and sightseeing. Some travelled to Canada for its national day last Friday, while some families planned weddings for convenience as it is an extended weekend.

Many Guyanese-owned homes have American flags fluttering in the winds, while others have the Guyana flag and jhandi flags flying in front of their homes, showcasing their multiple identities.

It is traditional to have picnics and barbecues during the extended weekend. And many Guyanese were seen in the parks and their yards barbecuing.

Guyanese are extremely grateful for the opportunity to make the USA their home. They have used their presence to improve their lot and to make significant contributions to their former homeland.

They are immersing themselves in the American culture and adding theirs to it. In so doing, they bring the two nations closer. They are also grateful to America for saving democracy in their former homeland.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram