54 10-4 Magazine / July 2025 pages of this magazine in his monthly contribution called “The Spirit of the American Trucker” – but there I was. All of us have a story to tell and Mr. Czajkowski’s (or as I like to call him “California”) has one that began in Poland under communist rule. He was granted a work visa through Walmart back then, but that program has since been ceased after being deemed as human trafficking. People migrate to this country for many reasons – with money probably being the most common, along with the chance for a better life, while some simply choose freedom – the right to make choices for themselves and those they love. To fully understand what that means one must first experience the lack of or the loss of your right to choose. Through my conversations with California, I learned he and his wife were questioned for a great deal of time by immigration personnel as the last stage of their process. He estimated only 10% of applicants make it through to be granted citizenship. Anyone who is lucky enough to meet California will leave with a firm understanding of his resolve – family first, then the love of God and country. I think Mr. and Mrs. Czajkowski have their priorities in order and are truly the kind of people we need in this country to blend and assimilate into the fabric of America. As we walk away from the “woke” programs of the last administration, we need to accept and practice one of Art’s most vehement lessons: “We can talk through any of our differences if we listen to the other side, but first we must talk, never fear them. Fear is a means of control. If you are not afraid, they have no power.” I’m looking forward to the hot summer nights, cruising the boulevard, chicken lights all ablaze, and chrome reflecting my trucker’s pride as I do one of the most exhilarating and free spirited occupations anyone can do. Why we do it is as different as the people you ask. For some it’s money, while for others it’s the chance to roam without Big Brother looking over your shoulder. Then there’s the free spirit who just has to be free, with no walls to fence them in or ceiling to hold them down. It doesn’t matter what language you speak or where you were born, the American highway is where you feel most alive. As a young child, every morning, my whole class and I rose, faced the flag, placed our hands over our hearts, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. If you don’t remember, or maybe you never learned it, I will remind you. “I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America. And to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Boy, do I love that! I understand some of our readers will not get to enjoy the Independence Day holiday because the freight must roll. You may be out there hauling the hot dogs, hamburgers and possibly even the grill, so the rest of us can rest, relax, and wave the red, white and blue. This year, take a few minutes to remember our founders and the sacrifices they made. Their commitments gave us the freedoms that we still enjoy today. And because of that, I will carry a spark of patriotism in my heart. Let that spark start the fire of your celebration! “Give thanks to God and pass the ammunition” was once the battle cry of this nation. So, as always, I will kneel at the cross and stand for the flag when the National Anthem plays, and I will pay tribute to those who make this great life possible. Happy birthday, America! n
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