We are a nation of immigrants.
On March 17th, people (many of whom bear no Irish ancestry) wear green. (When I was a kid my mom made us wear orange because we were protestant Scots-Irish. How embarassing, but that is another issue, lol).
On Columbus Day, bars and restaurants celebrate with tasty Italian fare and parades with the Italian flag waving. (Not going to debate the whole Vespucci/Columbus thing).
In Louisiana, we celebrate the French Catholic tradition of Mardi Gras. The state is draped in purple, green and gold (actually, year-round, and nobody seems to mind).
And in Southwestern states, the 5th of May is another festive holiday for American citizens and for Mexican residents alike.
Oh! Chinese New Year! Rosh Hashanna! Guy Fawkes? Oktoberfest?
I am wondering how any of these are counter to being respectful of the USA?
Does it really diminish our identity as a nation if we embrace all cultural celebrations? If it does, we are pretty weak and whiny.
Why can't we celebrate our individuality?
I am proud of my Scots heritage, and also my French and Welsh heritage. If I wanted to celebrate my heritage by wearing a tee shirt or hanging a flag in my yard, am I no longer an American?
So much for tolerance.