LIVE ORLANDO
COFFEE HOUR
COMING TO AMERICA
with
BEAT
More than 25 years ago, I moved from Switzerland to the United States of America.
Well, to be honest after about 6 months in Florida I got homesick for Switzerland, I did not miss the mountains that much, because I knew that Florida was flat and hot, what I really missed was being able to live in a town where one can live, learn, work and play and I was irritated by the fact that everything one wanted to do, like going to a coffee shop, a grocery store, a movie theater required you to drive, sometimes even for miles. In my hometown Zurich back in Switzerland, you do not need a car, you can truly live, learn, work, and play within a square mile. Today while spending time on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean many times I am asked which do you like better Switzerland or Orlando.
Well truly being home in both worlds I love both. There are clearly differences.
Every morning our school children stand up and pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, the national anthem is While the United States and Swit- played proudly at many sport and zerland are the only western coun- other events and in Avalon Park tries that have never had a king every Friday, the US Flag is part and incorporate both the concept of every community and many of direct dehomes. This mocracy, i.e. is somehave states thing I truly with a great admire in degree of the United indepenStates. dence (in Switzerland I travel the called Canworld, and tons) and it is normal both counfor me to be tries have a a few days Senate and a every month House of Representatives in Europe, at times Asia or Aus(in CH Staenderat and Nation- tralia as well. You may have seen alrat). However, there is one im- negative comments about the US portant difference. Compared to in foreign, and domestic as well, Switzerland, the United States of media outlets. Don’t believe the America celebrates its pride of pa- media, talk to the people directly triotism far more openly and visi- and you will easily find that people bly than Switzerland. all over the world by and large admire the United States. As a matter of fact, in many countries which have been considered our political “opponents,” have many people that would love to live in the United States of America.
Wherever I am I tell them all things are possible in America if your dream is strong enough and if you are willing to work for your goals. No matter what your starting point is, you have every chance to make your dreams come true in America.
Sometimes people in the US and abroad wonder if the AMERICAN DREAM is still alive. The concept of all things are possible in America if you are willing to work hard, be determined, law obeying, and really want to achieve your goals.
I am proud to be able to live, learn, work, and play in America. We look forward to a time in the near future where we can gather together as a community.
All things are possible in America if your dream is strong enough and if you are willing to work for your goals.
I am grateful that more than a quarter-century ago I was welcomed in the United States of America as an Immigrant, I was accepted as I am, able to pursue BIG dreams. I am very thankful to America and its people, and any time I have a chance to promote the US abroad, I do. This year has undoubtedly been a difficult year all over the world. When asked if, despite COVID 19, should we have fireworks in Avalon Park on July 4th….my initial answer was immediately: ABSOLUTELY. After discussing with many community members and leaders, we have determined to forgo the fireworks this Fourth of July. While we will not be celebrating together as we have for the past 20 years, we will be together in spirit, celebrating our great country!
Happy 4th of July to all of you. God Bless You.
