 |
Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
|
Welcome !!
This past week, my good friend Dante Herrera, and his
family, became naturalized Citizens of the United States of America! I would like to take this opportunity to say
both Congratulations
!!, and Welcome !!
Dante worked for our company’s Mexico City office, as
Sales Manager for Mexico. But,
opportunities for the equipment our division makes were slow in Mexico at the
time, so we moved him and his family up to Houston. From here, Dante still handled Mexico, but also
the other Spanish speaking countries, and some special products in the
USA. Later, Dante qualified for and received
a ”Green Card” (Permanent Residence
status). Now, his two kids have entered
college (at the University of Texas and Baylor), and it became clear that the
entire family would like to stay and make the U.S.A. their home
permanently.
 |
Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
|
Early last week, I walked past Dante near my office, and
as I usually do, I said “Hola amigo, ¿Como Esta?” But this time he said, “Well, soon, I will
not be your ‘amigo’ any more…soon, I
will be your ‘friend’…” So, I motioned for him to come into my office
and explain. He said that he, and the
entire family, had gone through the naturalization process, had completed all
the steps, had all passed the exam, and on Wednesday, would be sworn in as
Citizens. Unfortunately, I would be
traveling that day, and couldn’t go along to take photos, but I was able to get
to the flag store, got him one and hung it up in his office.
America is a nation of immigrants. For the Laughlin family, immigration happened
a long time ago, almost 300 years. For others,
it has been much more recently. It is
people like Dante and his family, and like John Laughlin many (many) years ago,
who want to make a new home, who want to live in a land of opportunity, who
want to make a life for themselves and their families, that not only built
America, but who fuel its growth and vitality today. We all
ought to welcome those who come here, follow the rules, obey the laws, and help
to build the prosperity that all of us enjoy.
By the way, the man at the flag store asked me to give
you his “Congratulations” too !
 |
Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
|
Welcome !
- Mark W. Laughlin
 |
Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
|
Congratulations!!! I am happy for you amigo!!! Christi
ReplyDelete