As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, a reflective series is being launched by The Bulwark, beginning with a poignant personal essay by Laurence Tribe, a renowned constitutional law scholar. Tribe delves into his personal journey and the values that have shaped his identity as an American, influenced significantly by his family’s immigrant history.
The essay begins with a conversation Tribe had with a friend about the origins of his American values. His friend posited that these values were inherited from his parents, to which Tribe responded that they were instead rooted in his diverse life experiences. This prompted him to recount a powerful personal narrative centered around an American flag that held great significance for his family.
Tribe’s reflections draw on memories of his parents, both of whom were Jewish refugees. His mother passed away in 2007, a poignant moment intertwined with Tribe’s support for then-Senator Barack Obama. His father, an immigrant from Belarus, epitomized kindness and integrity in his work as a car salesman, illustrating values that went beyond economic success. He was honored not for being the top seller, but for his commitment to honesty, exemplified by his practice of steering customers away from unnecessary purchases.
The narrative takes a somber turn with the recounting of his father’s heart attack on his parents’ fortieth wedding anniversary. Tribe shares the harrowing background of his family, detailing their displacement as stateless refugees before ultimately settling in the U.S. in pursuit of safety and a better life. His father’s journey from a troubled past into the arms of American citizenship serves as a testament to the resilience and hope that has shaped the family’s values.
A significant moment in the essay is the story of the American flag, which his mother secretly gave to his father while he was imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. This flag embodied their belief in America as a sanctuary of freedom, where the tenets of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” were upheld. His parents risked everything for the ideals the flag represented, which became a powerful reminder of their struggle against tyranny.
For Tribe, this flag is not merely a piece of fabric; it symbolizes the ideals of the United States that extend beyond its imperfections. It represents the principles of liberty, justice, and equality for all—principles that he feels have been central to his teaching and understanding of American values. The flag serves as a legacy of his parents’ hope and courage, a vivid reminder of the trials they endured for the promise of a better life.
Tribe’s narrative resonates with deeper themes of resilience, hope, and the immigrant experience in America. It underscores the belief that the ideals of the nation are worth striving for, despite past injustices. As the U.S. approaches this monumental anniversary, Tribe’s reflections remind us of the enduring spirit of those who have come to this country in search of freedom and a brighter future.