'They're taking this country over!'..

This is a phrase that has baffled me since childhood.

'They'..'Them'..'Those people'..

I mean,in this country,unless you're an American Indian,(in which case,your ancestors theoretically immigrated to North America from Asia..But I digress),somewhere along your genealogical line,you were a 'They'.
This isn't a rant,..just an observation.

America is the 'Great Melting Pot',and I've always considered that to be our greatest strength.
I take special note of this on the day we celebrate the institution of our Declaration of Independence,when I think about the lofty ideals it proposes...Those self-evident facts so eloquently enumerated.
..And I consider my own eclectic heritage.

Stone cold German on my Father's side,..Scotch/Irish,with a smidgen of Comanche Indian thrown in for that extra-spicy flavor,on my Mother's side.
My paternal Grandfather arrived in this country two short generations ago under questionable circumstances,(No immigration records to be found),but I can trace my maternal roots in America all the way back to the Shenandoah Valley in pre-Civil War Virginia.
So,..I'm as American as apple pie,..corn liquor,jerked venison,and sauerkraut.

As an American,I revel in the wonderful assortment of ethno/geographical influences in myself,..just like I expect my Afro-American Nieces and Nephews,as well as my Hispanic Nieces, Nephews and Grandson to revel in theirs.
It's the American way,..and we're taking over.

Comes now,in deference to my lineage,a haunting ballad performed by a lovely Irish lass.
It tells the story of a Civil War soldier,crossing the Missouri River with his Indian bride.
It just doesn't get any more American than that!
..With the possible exception of your own unique story.



'Shenandoah'