Written by Laureline, a United Planet Team member:
On July 4 2008, I arrived in Boston from France ready to live my six-month adventure in Boston, knowing that I would not be back home before January 2009. I got off the plane and was greeted by United Planet volunteers who were kind enough to pick me up at the airport. People were walking around the airport wearing red, white and blue EVERYWHERE!
This is not my first trip to the United States. It is not my first time in Boston either, but it is my first July 4th in America! The UP team took me to the roof of the Harvard School Observatory to watch the spectacular fireworks. First, I felt privileged because we had been personally invited by Harvard summer students. I had a very good time, watching the beautiful fireworks burst over the Charles River- – sharing my impressions about the show with members of the United Planet team that I would be working with during my stay in the States.
When I left Harvard Square, I was encircled by a parade of people singing the National Anthem. I don’t know much about American culture, but I recognized “God Bless America” and “This Land is Your Land”. It was exciting to feel a huge part of the American history surrounding me with all these voices. I should admit that the patriotic displays were quite thrilling, but do Americans know the “real” truth about the July 4th celebration? Indeed, the actual date of the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 2, 1776 in a closed session of Congress. The fact that it was signed on July 4th is a myth, but it is this date which Americans celebrate.
Throughout the night, I enjoyed the celebration of the “Glorious Fourth”. It was a surprising and pleasant evening. I even got a quick history lesson about Independence Day. My American adventure has just begun…
Volunteer Abroad with United Planet
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United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
