While I in no way was involved in the writing of same; as a longtime resident of New York; It is and will always remain in my heart; as will Mr Pasquales great tribute here to New Yorkers; globally.
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I AM A NEW YORKER. By Vincent Pasquale
I am a New Yorker
I do not live in the five boroughs or on the Island or Upstate I may live hundreds or thousands of miles away Or I may live just over the GW Bridge
But I am a New Yorker
I am a New Yorker
I was raised on Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Rockefeller Plaza, The Yankees or the Mets (Giants or Dodgers) Jones Beach, Rye Beach, Rockaway Beach or one of the beaches
on the sound I know that "THE END" means Montauk.
Because I am a New Yorker
I am a New Yorker
When I go on vacation, I never look up Skyscrapers are something I take for granted
The Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are part of me Taxis and noise and subways and "get outa heah" don't rattle me Because I am a New Yorker
I am a New Yorker
I was raised on cultural diversity before it was politically correct I eat Greek food and Italian food, Jewish and Middle Eastern food and Chinese food
Because they are all American food to me. I don't get mad when people speak other languages in my presence Because my relatives got to this country via Ellis Island and chose to stay. They were New Yorkers
People who have never been to New York have misunderstood me. My friends and family work in the industries, professions and businesses that benefit all Americans. My firefighters died trying to save New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers They died trying to save Americans and non-Americans
Because they were New Yorkers.
I am a New Yorker
I feel the pain of my fellow New Yorkers
I mourn the loss of my beautiful city
I feel and dread that New York will never be the same
But then I remember: I am a New Yorker
And New Yorkers have: Tenacity, strength and courage way above the norm. Compassion and caring for our fellow citizens Love and pride in our city, in our state, in our country Intelligence, experience and education par excellence. Ability, dedication and energy above and beyond Faith--no matter what religion we practice.
Terrorists hit America in its heart
But America's heart still beats strong
Demolish the steel in our buildings, but it doesn't touch the steel in our souls
Hit us in the pocketbook; but we'll parlay what we have left into a fortune. End innocent lives leaving widows and orphans, but we'll take care of them
Because they are New Yorkers
Wherever we live, whatever we do, whoever we are
There are New Yorkers in every state and every city of this nation.
We will not abandon our city
We will not abandon our brothers and sisters
We will not abandon the beauty, creativity and diversity that New York represents
Because we are New Yorkers
And we are proud to be New Yorkers.
[ While not born nor raised here; I lived here for over 20 years. I worked in the city for over 25 years, while travelling globally. This is & will always be home to me. Where my heart and soul can always be found.]
This writing by Mr. Pasquale is wonderful. For me; it stirs up my love for this great cultural center and life.
I will always love this writing and be loyal to NYC, as it's been my home for the longest place of any; where I have been domiciled.
Tags: By Vincent Pasquale
