This past Wednesday afternoon, we took the staffs of Jacobs Media and jācapps to the Tigers game at Comerica Park. On a picture perfect June afternoon, we had a chance to get out of the office, hang out together, and enjoy a rare, easy Tigers win.
But at the start of the game, there was a citizenship ceremony taking place on the field. Scores of immigrants raised their right hands and repeated the oath of American citizenship, administered by Judge David Lawson. Just a few minutes before the first pitch, these 60 people created a special moment for the thousands of us in attendance as we all stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance together. And while the Tigers (and other MLB teams) present these ceremonies each year, there was something very special about this one – and everyone in attendance felt it.
The standing ovation for these freshly minted Americans was a reminder of how so many of our descendants came to this country decades ago in search of a new life in a country where anything is possible. Many of us came from somewhere else, and this ceremony reinforced that 
undeniable fact. These 60 people worked hard to become a citizen of this country. And as of Wednesday afternoon, they are as American as any of us who were privileged to be born here.
Sadly, the conversation about immigrants has been debated, subverted, and twisted, creating chaos, confusion, and misunderstanding. You can see how that played out in the UK last week.
We’re (hopefully) better than that, and that feeling was evident Wednesday afternoon in the most American of settings – the baseball diamond. It’s a vision I’ll take with me this weekend as I go about the typical Fourth of July activities from fireworks to hot dogs.
Here’s hoping your holiday weekend is a time to decompress and relax, but also to remember what a truly great place our country is and must continue to be, despite the political chaos of the moment.
Those new citizens standing along the third baseline weren’t distracted by the noise or the anger. They were simply proud to be Americans, and it was truly thrilling to be in the stadium welcoming them.
Happy 4th.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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A powerful message! And may US Radio delivery many, many more. Thank you, Fred, for all you’re insight & inspiration with content and connection. Great to see you at NJBA, Atlantic City. Safe weekend to all!
All the best to you, Clark. Thanks so much for the kind words.
That was a post all should see! Well done Fred and good to see you at the beach last weekend. Happy 4th.
Most appreciated and great to see you, too.! Have a great weekend!
Thanks for sharing, Fred. What a sight that must have been to see those immigrants who followed the rules become American citizens.
It’s not a conversation about immigrants that has been debated, subverted, and twisted – it’s the intentional chaos of illegal immigration and mass movement of refugees to EU countries that played out in the UK last week.
To imply that a sovereign nation (Britain) is “not as good as us” (the US) because they took the first step to protect their borders – and legal citizens – is simply a naive understanding of the issue.
Our experiment has worked because we allowed a controlled flow of legal immigrants to come, integrate, educate, and become citizens. My great-grandfather (at the age of 17) left socialist France not for what he could get in America but, for what he and his heirs could become.
No one I know is angry at those who immigrate legally. The anger is only directed at those who “rule” and subvert the rule of law.
Isn’t it ironic that the Brits finally stood for their independence so near the celebration of ours’.
Many thanks for your insightful views on radio.
Joe, thanks for the comment and the opinions. Happy 4th.
Well said.
That guy who wears the “Make America Great Again” hat….such sad irony. What you witnessed at the ballpark is one of the reasons that America IS great. “Give us your tired, your poor….”
Happy 4th to you and yours, Fred.
Right back at you, Pam. Hope it was a great holiday weekend.