I was 21, barely finding my voice in crowded lecture halls and late-night study groups at my American college, when I boarded a flight to Poland. The plan was simple—backpack across Eastern Europe, devour pierogis, snap pictures of Baroque buildings, and feel something new. But I never expected that a […]
Culture & Traditions
Letter to the Father I Never Met
Every June, as Father’s Day approaches, I feel a quiet ache in my heart—a silence that no greeting card or family brunch can ever quite fill. It’s not because I don’t celebrate Father’s Day now. I do. I have a family of my own, and I am a father. My […]
Remembering Dad on Father’s Day
Just like his wife—who might be called Mom, Mama, Mẹ, Má, or Mẫu—he, too, goes by many names: Dad, Daddy, Papa, Ba, Bố, Tía, Thầy, or Cậu. No matter the name, he is that one irreplaceable figure whose presence gives true meaning to the sacred union of marriage. Without him, […]
The American Flag at 250: A Legacy of Unity, Freedom, and Pride
A Symbol Born in Revolution The history of the U.S. flag is deeply woven into the fabric of American identity. Often called “The Stars and Stripes”, the flag traces its origins to June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution stating: “Resolved, That the flag of […]
What Should Parents Do When Their Child Runs Away from Home?
Among the most painful and disappointing experiences for parents is having their child run away from home. A child who, while still living at home, is lazy, neglects their studies, argues with parents, lacks harmony with siblings, and lives without discipline—how can such a child survive once they leave home? […]
Honoring Their Sacrifice: The Meaning and History of Memorial Day
Each year, as the last Monday in May approaches, the United States pauses to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer—it is a sacred occasion rooted […]
A Day of Love and Loss: The Real History Behind Mother’s Day in America
Each second Sunday in May, the world slows down a little to say “Thank you, Mom.” We send flowers, write heartfelt notes, book brunches, and post sentimental tributes online. But beyond the chocolates and greeting cards lies a history rooted in grief, peace, and a daughter’s deep devotion to her […]
Cinco de Mayo: A Celebration of Identity and Resilience
What It Really Means: Every May 5th, the vibrant sounds of mariachi bands, the scent of sizzling tacos, and the whirl of folkloric skirts fill streets across the United States. But what exactly is Cinco de Mayo, and why is it celebrated so widely outside of Mexico—especially in American cities […]
Three Photographs, One War
The Vietnam War left behind a series of iconic images that captured the most harrowing moments of a conflict that reshaped a nation—and the world. From the start of the war to its chaotic end, three photographs in particular came to define its legacy: Eddie Adams’ haunting image of a […]
Easter Celebrations
Easter is a principal festival celebrated by the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This momentous event is at the heart of Christian belief, symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and hope. While deeply rooted in religious tradition, Easter celebrations have also evolved into a vibrant cultural phenomenon […]