IN D EPEND ENC E DAY
by Ann Marie Kennon images courtesy Nick Adams/FLAG
Nick Adams is All In For America J
uly is a time to celebrate America, its history, and its exceptionalism. At the same time, we must not fail to recognize the vigilance required to maintain these legacies and help us reach our tricentennial intact. Fortunately, among the many who love America and are committed to these goals is a warrior born in Australia.
EXCEPTIONAL LIFE Nick Adams celebrated his 17th birthday on September 5, 2001. Less than a week later, from across the globe, he was pondering the terrorist attacks and realized the planes might have crashed in London or Sydney. "I believe history bestows a task of great importance upon every generation," he says. "At that moment, I realized it is incumbent upon my generation to stand up for America." Having survived three years of treatment for Stage IV Neuroblastoma (a rare childhood cancer), before he even started kindergarten, Nick recalls being drawn to America from a young age. It seems evident that the same grit he showed in his fight against cancer served him well in his service to his community in Australia and in his fight—on two continents—for America. "Growing up in Australia in the 80s and 90s, as in most parts of the world, nearly all the television and movies we had were from the United States. There was something electrifying about the colorful characters and an optimism associated with all of those
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things. From Full House to Die Hard, I realized the U.S. was a different place than where I was living. I was attracted to that energy, hustle, and positive vibe." His fascination with America crystallized while studying American politics, history, and government at university. He says, "Getting a sense of the United States' origins through the founding documents that represent its values, I fell in love, academically. It grew from curiosity to affection and admiration." Nick's own energy and charisma did not go unnoticed. He was elected a Councilman in the Sydney area at the age of 19, and at age 21, became the youngest-ever deputy mayor in Australian political history.
during that first four-week tour, affection turned to love. Now an enthusiastic 24-year-old, Nick had written to more than 70 clubs, chambers, political groups, and even fire stations across the country, offering to share his remarkable life story. His visit to America coincided with mainstream criticism of President Obama's perceived failure to stand up for American exceptionalism. Nick's goal, then, was to encourage others with his message about loving America. Fueled by his energy and enthusiasm, a five-stop tour turned into 23 speeches in 13 states. "I first arrived as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed tourist and over the months and years and many more trips, I got the attention of cable news networks," he says. "I signed book deals with major publishers and launched myself into a platform that has since reached more than 50 million people."
2ND BEST DAY
I expected America to be amazing. It ended up being amazing on steroids.
COMING TO AMERICA Finally, on June 8, 2009, he arrived in America for the first time and
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On July 29, 2016, after a long and challenging journey to receive his Green Card, Nick returned to America for good. Being here, he says, "is like winning the best lottery of life." Remembering the challenges of his early childhood, he adds, "I learned to never, ever waste a minute. I have chased every dream and pursued every opportunity and now I speak about America—a country that rewards boldness—with the zeal of a convert to demonstrate how legal immigrants can help steer America to safety and celebrate her 300th birthday."
