Ladies and gentlemen, I am a very strong person; But when it comes to talking about home and country,  I feel that I can be a weak person. The reason for this is my feeling about America. This feeling comes from my heart. The name of my remarks tonight is……America.

For some people, America is simply a country. Just one of many countries on the world map. Some people either love America or hate it. Some people simply take advantage of America. They don’t really know what “America” means.

For me,  America is a dream of a 10 year old girl. My dream was to be an American. America is my home. It’s not just a country on the map for me. America gave me an opportunity. When I arrived at the JFK airport in New York on December 18, 1979 with $300 in my pocket, I knew this was home. America gave me the American dream. I was able to get two degrees in computer programming and business and accounting. I worked hard, raised my children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren. I was able to own my homes, have the best husband, the best family and the best friends. That is America to me.

In America you don’t have to worry that someone will knock on your door at 3:00 AM to arrest your family for no reason. In America you will not be prosecuted because of your faith and religion. America is the country that gave me hope that my family and the generations following me will be okay because they are  living in this God created country of America.

As a legal immigrant,  I can tell you one thing. I am in fear. I am in fear of losing my home. I am in fear that someone is going to take my freedoms away from me. But still, I always have faith that God created America for a reason. And he will protect it. But he needs our help.

Everyone, please help. So, let’s vote. Let’s protect our home. Let’s protect our freedoms. This is the country your grandparents and your parents fought for. Let’s protect this God created country. Let’s protect the United State of America and let’s send President Donald Trump back to the White House.

Thank you for coming (America is now and forever.)  I have love and respect for every single one of you. Thank you.

God bless the United State of America.
 
Lydia Kanno, President
California Federation of Republican Women


Given at the CFRW Conference in Bakersfield on September 7, 2024