After ten years of living in Costa Rica, the idea of celebrating Independence Day on the 4th of July has a completely different meaning to me than what it did when I lived in the United States of America.

In my case, by looking at my native country from an expat perspective, I can see both sides of the equation back in the U.S. Living in Costa Rica has taught me to appreciate true freedom, a personal freedom that I could only have found in my new, adoptive country.

In terms of patriotism, I am more of the quiet, steadfast, behind the scenes supporter of people, places, and things I deem worthy of my attention and support. Growing up, I always identified with my family first, then my neighborhood, state, region (I’m a Southern boy, after all), and country.

Having said that, I am acutely aware of the freedoms, luxuries, and blessings that have been bestowed upon me simply by my having been born in the United States. My father, both of my grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, and numerous forefathers before were military veterans, having served in the Vietnam, WWII, WWI, the Civil War, the War of 1812, and even the Revolutionary War.

It’s nearly impossible to grow up in a strong Southern family like mine without knowing where you are from and the sacrifices made by those strong men and women that created the fabric of U.S. history.

Living in Costa Rica has afforded me the luxury to step back, analyze, and appreciate my country and it beginnings. Our founding fathers, especially Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, had vision of and a passion for what they wanted our country to be and to become. I identify with those beliefs and desires with regard to being independent and controlling your own destiny.

From my point of view, our founding fathers were true patriots, steadfast in their beliefs, inspiring and leading their countrymen to achieve their own independence from the tyranny of the crown.

I see it that it wasn’t just about the independence of the colony from England to become an independent country, but it was about the independence of each individual citizen and the freedom of their very spirits that spurred such men on to strive for greatness.

That independent spirit is one that I can truly identify with because it is what I have found for myself here in Costa Rica. Once I moved to Atenas, I felt that I had been set free. I am truly free and independent, not from physical bondage or political oppression, but from myself and my own self imposed limitations.

So, this 4th of July, I salute my homeland and my roots with the most profound feeling of gratitude. I know and I live the values that my family, community, and, ultimately, my country have instilled in me and have helped to shape me into the happy and self-fulfilled person that I am today.

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.