Antonio Pignanelli (who arrived in New York City alone and penniless at age 15) was enormously proud of his American citizenship. The United States represented everything good to him: He voted regularly (usually Republican), he profited from the hard work in his business, he was able to marry the woman he chose and his children had the potential to thrive. A successful beer tavern owner, he also created huge — and very illegal — amounts of wine in the basement of his home on the west side of Salt Lake City. Grandfather shared his homemade beverage with friends at frequent Sunday and holiday dinners catered by my grandmother. But every year he saved the best wine in every batch for the most important nonreligious celebration in his life — Independence Day.

On this Sunday, we are all well-served to pause from the summer heat in this acidic election season and reflect. We need the opportunity to be grateful and remember the love and enthusiasm all of our immigrant ancestors had for this country. The freedoms and affluence we enjoy are a result of the passion they carried for America. Hope abounds if we maintain this important and wonderful emotion.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A recent candidate for Salt Lake City mayor, Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.