July 4 holiday near, dear to Guillen's heart

Even though he was born in Caracas, Venezuela, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is proud to be an American.

Along with his wife Ibis and middle son Oney, Guillen secured United States citizenship on Jan. 20, 2006, his 42nd birthday.

July 4 has become an important date on his calendar.

"So many people come to this country to find a better life, to live better," Guillen said Friday.

"And also, this country went through a lot over the years to make our lives better. Those people went out there and fought for us to make this country the best country on Earth. I'm going to get in trouble from Venezuela, but it's something you feel special about."

Miami is Guillen's off-season home, and he spends spring training on the other side of the map in Tucson, Ariz. The two cities are vastly different, but similar in one respect.

"I've had the chance to live on two borders," Guillen said.

"You look at the news and it's kind of amazing how many people love the life to come here. And that's why we have to respect and love and appreciate everything in this country. We come here to make a better life, a lot of people do, and we have to make this country better.

"You look at Miami, people drown in the water, get caught by the Coast Guard and get sent back. I've had the opportunity to live on both sides, one on the water, one in the desert, and it's amazing how many people try to come here."

Guillen has often talked about the difficulties - and dangers - he faced growing up in Venezuela.

"People that grow up in this country, people that were born here, they don't know how good they've got it, even when it's bad," Guillen said. "They don't know how lucky they are to be in this country. I look a the news every day and no matter how bad we have it here, this is the best. There's no doubt.

"People look around and they worry about the fires in California, it's raining in Ohio, the rivers flood. But that's a minor thing compared to what happens around the world."