"A people without the knowledge of their past, origin, and culture 

is like a tree with no roots."

Yes, you are American. It's a great thing to be and ALWAYS be proud of that. We are luckily much much more than that. You also have the priviledge of being Mexican. Always be just as proud of that. Please don't forget that there is so much more to you. You are the sum of two cultures, and we walk a fine line as such. Our history is rich and colorful and something to hold our heads up high about. I try my best to keep as many Mexican traditions as I do the American ones because I feel that it is important that you embrace both of them equally. I hope that this is something that you pass on to your children someday, the love for your country (in this case, countries).

Today is Mexican Independence Day. I hope that years from now you will see today as not just a day when you get to wear a pretty dress, but a reminder of the pride that us Mexicans feel when we see our flag fly. I feel the same butterflies when I see my American flag fly during 4th of July than I do today when I see you wearing traditional clothing.