Life in America: Concerns, Issues, and Possibilities

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, I was privileged to continue guest speaker presentations to assist students of the Morris County Vocational School District ESL program.

These presentations began with two separate morning classes at Saint Claire’s Hospital in Dover. 

In the evening another presentation, for three combined classes, took place at Morristown High School.  In this group, I was privileged to have my wife Lily Bove, who has participated in the program during the last few years with her teacher, Joan Pinto, introduce me.

Today’s presentations, for a total of seventy-five students at two locations, was titled “Life in America: Concerns, Issues, and Possibilities.”  It encouraged students to continually enhance their English skills. 

The presentations also addressed contemporary issues in America, and the process of citizenship.

Students represented a mosaic of international cultures and nations. These included Argentina, China, Columbia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Poland, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Presentations were designed to be highly interactive, allowing students to share personal experiences.  Their experiences included the sacrifices of leaving loved ones behind, and the hard work required to pursue their dreams in America.

These students, and the teachers who guide them, were an inspiration.  They exemplified courage, determination, and commitment.  The stories they shared were uplifting, and their kindness and encouragement for one another was heartwarming.

This program of the Morris County Vocational School District, and all who participate in it deserves the highest praise.  It provides not only an English and civics education, but empowers students to serve American communities and live the American dream.  

A special thanks for the MCVSD Program Specialist, Deniese Hicks, whose leadership with coordinating the programs made the event possible.

(RELATED ARTICLE) We the People: America's Legacy Continues

On April 4, 2022, I was privileged to be the guest lecturer for the ESL class of Teacher Joan Pinto at Morristown High School.

The event was an initiative of the Morris County Vocational School District and took place in Morristown, New Jersey.

My wife Lily has been a student of this program for the last few years.  She deeply admires her teacher Joan because of her dedication to her students, and her love for America.

Lily also admires her classmates because of their work ethic, dedication to their families, and commitment to making their dreams of becoming Americans a reality.

The class is comprised of students with ancestry from all over the world. This ancestry includes Ecuador, China, Honduras, Guatemala, Columbia, China, Nicaragua, Japan, and Italy.

During our 2.5 hour session together, each attendee shared profoundly inspiring stories.  The emotions included love for America, their families, immigration sacrifices, and their dreams for the future.

We also reviewed the oath of allegiance to the the United States.

Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Each of us encouraged one another. We expressed admiration for one another's devotion to family, and appreciation for the values of America.

Teacher Joan Pinto was kind enough to present copies of my recent article titled Lily Bove, New American Citizen: A Family Legacy Continues, for the class.

During the class I also distributed copies of two of my recent articles in The Chief of Police magazine.  These articles illustrated my own dedication to America through my efforts to educate, motivate and inspire police to be professional, respectful, and ethical.

As a gift, I also gave each class member a photo of a statue near the Statue of Liberty called Liberation Monument.  I explained to them that the American soldier carrying a survivor from a concentration camp is a statement of our nation's dedication to character, courage, and community.

During the class, we also illustrated the mystical connection we all have with our ancestors.  I showed that like Lily, my great-grandparents traveled here from distant shores to live the American dream.  

This was made clear by sharing with the class cherished documents including Lily's Certificate of Naturalization as well as my great-grandparent Giuseppe Cirrito's documents. These included his 1857 birth certificate, wedding certificate from 1890, petition to become American in 1907, declaration to become America in 1911, and United States Certificate of Naturalization from 1913. 

The class enthusiastically congratulated Lily, and during the break we celebrated with treats from China, courtesy of Lily. We also enjoyed a wonderful chocolate cake with the inscription We the People, courtesy of Joan.

The class was an inspiration, and reminder of the millions of people who immigrated to America to live their dream, and contribute to our nation.

America continues to be blessed, and we have a great future to look forward to as people from nations throughout the planet immigrate, and live the dream of We the People.

Some inspiring words from my wife Lily on justice. 

She tearfully shared these with me as we discussed the goodness of America today:

“Last night moved me to know my classmates better because of the emotional stories they shared about their lives and dreams.

“They inspired me to appreciate the joy, peace, and grace I have in my life.

“Also, I hope and pray that every one of them, and people all over the world who work so hard can live their dreams.  Every person working to help others deserves blessings, grace and justice.

“Human beings do not have the opportunity to decide where they are born.

‘But, they can pursue their dreams.  I pray that all dedicated to justice have the right opportunity, environment, and support to do so.”

(RELATED ARTICLE)  Lily Bove, New American Citizen: A Family Legacy Continues

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove, CPP, founder of Reawakening America LLC, is a national speaker and author with over 300 published works.  Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and former confident of the New York Yankees.  

He is a partner with Global Security Resolutions LLC and served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim’s families. His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen To Their Cries.

For more information see www.vincentbove.com or twitter@vincentjbove

Twitter: VincentJBove

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Photos

1. ESL assembly of 3 combined classes, Morristown High School, Morristown, NJ, May 23, 2023. (Reawakening America LLC)

2. ESL class, Saint Claire’s, Dover, May 23, 2023. 

3. ESL class, Morristown High School, Apr. 4, 2022 (Reawakening America LLC) 

4. Joseph (Giuseppe) Cirrito, great-grandfather of Vincent J. Bove, United States Certificate of Immigration No. 339419, Feb. 26, 1913. (Courtesy Ray Cirrito)

5. Detail of Preamble to Constitution of the United States (public domain)

6. Lily Bove, Oath of Allegiance - ceremony conducted by the U.S. District Court, Newark, NJ, March 30, 2022. 

7. Vincent Bove headshot and speaker photo, a

with his newest book, Reawakening America. (Photos by Lily Bove, Oct. 20, 2017, Champion PA)