Originally published in USA Today
July Fourth is a great event to celebrate. On that day, America gained independence from Great Britain. As Americans, we ought to be grateful to God, who gave us this wonderful country.
I am proud of being an American because this is a great nation. We have freedom of speech, and everyone is equal regardless of cast, creed, religion or nationality. Moreover, a great privilege to all of us is that religion and the state are separate.
I am a Muslim, but I don’t feel myself an alien here in my city or street; I get a lot of respect from my neighbors. I am very thankful to them. Many Muslims face inequality in the country of their origin, but not here. God tells us to be loyal to the government of the country in which we live.
We, the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, celebrate July Fourth across the country by taking part in parades and setting up booths to give out American flags. We respect and honor the victims of 9/11 and other veterans by donating blood with the help of Red Cross.
In the end, my slogan is “Long live, America” and “God Bless America.”
