I never realized Turi, that other countries felt that way. Don't get around much. :p

Like SC mentioned many of our ancestors immigrated to America, and in my case, my father and both sets of grandparents. Although I am American and my loyalty of course is with America, my Italian roots are deeply imbeded and a great part of who I am. I was raised to take great pride in my heritage. Many customs/beliefs that I was raised with come from the "old country".

However, as time goes on, I'm sure, as with my children, and their children after, sadly they will slowly diminish. Eventually I think, everyone is going to have roots from more than just one or two countries and not have one "specific" homeland, so to speak.

To many Americans, I think, having that "connection" is a sense of pride, no matter where there roots are. I never say I am Italian American either, but for me, to not have a connection to my roots, would seem so empty.

TIS