Z’Blog

All of us take things for granted from time to time. Take American citizenship, for example. I’m a native born American whose never really given my being a citizen of this great country much second thought. Sure, I’m proud to be an American (but not that crazy about Lee Greenwood’s song) and do think the USA has more to offer a person in freedom of speech, worship, political affiliation and success from nothing than any other country in the world.

But I really hadn’t stood back and appreciated how lucky we 345million Americans really are. That is, until today when my good friend Aiko VonHulsen gave up his Dutch citizenship - the country of his birth - and threw in with the good ol’ USA today at a swearing in ceremony held in a US federal courthouse in Indianapolis.

The gathered soon-to-be US citizens were joined by friends and family in a moving ceremony befitting the seriousness of the occasion. His Honor B. Baker beamed as he gave the oath of citizenship to the 40 or so new Americans.

I’d asked Aiko a while back why he wanted to become an American.

First a bit of background. Aiko and his then new bride moved to the United States from their home in Holland for what they thought would be a stay of a year or so. Aiko’s wife almost immediately dislike the pace and style of American living while Aiko blossomed as an artisan and craftsman; his old world training and artist’s talent in great demand by restorers, decorators and homeowners. 8 months into their marriage and still in the US, Aiko’s wife filed for divorce and she moved back to Holland.

Deciding he like the US more than he loved his now gone wife, Aiko has been living on a small farm in Whitestown, IN for the past six years and holds a green card that would basically allow him to stay here indefinitely. During this time he’s built a fine business and has a noted reputation as a fine carpenter, home artisan, furniture designer and fine artist.

Aiko’s family tree includes an artist mother with a museum of her art in France, a Dutch father who was a well know art dealer and a brother who is the frame master for the Louvre. His family is steeped in European tradition and lore, with knights and merchants, artists and politicians all part of his colorful background.

So why would this guy want to become an American?

“You born Americans don’t see it because it’s the air you’ve breathed all your life.” said Aiko, “You don’t notice the absolute freedom you enjoy in every way. You just take this all for granted and go about your daily routines.”

“But Aiko, it’s not that we don’t like our country. We love being Americans. Many of us are really obnoxious about being Americans.” I countered, “We know it’s the best place to live and work, that’s our national conceit.”

“Exactly! You Americans are conceited but you’re also quite funny about it. You don’t take yourselves as seriously as Europeans.”

There’s one thing we native-born Americans should take seriously and that’s the gift of being brought into this world as a citizen of this darn great country.

Ask Aiko VonHulsen, he gave up his wooden shoes and 4,000 year history to become one of us.