This year marks the 150th anniversary of the City of Arlington, Texas. For me, this is much more than a celebration of a city’s history. It is a celebration of 21 years of memories, family, community, and life in a place we are proud to call home.
In May 2005, my wife and I moved from Irving to Arlington. At the time, I was working at Alcon, and our new home was only about 10 miles from my office—a perfect location for work and family life.
And our one-story home? That was love at first sight—for my wife! She took one look at it and immediately said, “This is the one!” And just like that, we bought it.
Twenty-one years later, we are still here.
From Martin High School to West Point USMA
There was another reason our Arlington home became especially meaningful to our family.
We lived right next to Martin High School, where our son Frank graduated.
After high school, Frank went on to attend the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. Years later, he returned to West Point—not as a student, but as an instructor.
Today, he is a Major in the U.S. Army and teaches at West Point.
As parents, we cannot describe how proud we are.
Watching our son grow from a teenager walking the halls of Martin High School here in Arlington to a Major and instructor at West Point has made this little neighborhood much more than just a place where we live.
It became part of our family history.
Over these 21 years, we have watched Arlington grow and transform. The city has become more beautiful, the park system has expanded, and the community has become more vibrant.
I have loved riding bicycles since I was young, and after retirement, cycling became an important part of my everyday life. Riding through Arlington’s parks, trails, and neighborhoods has given me a wonderful way to experience and appreciate this city.
A Bicycle Ride That Led to a Mayor 🚲
I also have a special story connecting me with Arlington Mayor Jim Ross.
About five years ago, after I retired, I started riding my bicycle almost every day. One day, during a mayoral election, I rode my bike to a polling place and happened to meet Jim Ross there, campaigning and talking with voters.
He greeted me warmly, shook my hand, and talked with me about his vision and plans for Arlington.
I was deeply impressed by what I heard, so I decided right then and there to vote for him.
And guess what?
That vote turned out to be a pretty good one! 😄
Jim Ross went on to become the Mayor of Arlington.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand how connected he is with the Arlington community.
Last year, when the newly built ACTIV Center officially opened, Mayor Ross personally attended the grand opening and helped cut the ribbon.
ACTIV Center, a senior activity center, quickly became a beloved place for Arlington seniors to exercise, learn, socialize, and enjoy an active retirement.
I have learned so much at ACTIV Center and made many wonderful friends there. It has given so many of us new opportunities, new friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose after retirement.
I was also honored to be featured in an interview there and participate in a video recording—an experience I will always remember.
Then, in October last year, Mayor Ross personally joined ACTIV Center in launching “Walktober,” a two-month walking and wellness challenge encouraging residents to get outside, walk more, exercise regularly, and develop healthier habits.
I was fortunate enough to participate—and even more fortunate to have a photo taken with the Mayor!
When the Mayor Became the Waiter 🎄
But perhaps one of my favorite memories came during the Christmas season last year.
Mayor Jim Ross invited members of ACTIV Center to a special Christmas celebration. We gathered together for a wonderful holiday dinner featuring food from Spring Creek Barbeque, one of our favorite barbecue restaurants in the area.
And then something happened that really touched me.
The Mayor of Arlington was not sitting back and enjoying the dinner as a VIP.
He was personally serving the food to the guests, carrying plates to the tables!
Imagine that—a city mayor serving Christmas dinner to his own residents.
Everyone was delighted. There were smiles, laughter, and plenty of happy conversations throughout the room.
For me, that moment said more about community leadership than any speech could.
A mayor who is willing to serve his people is a mayor who understands his people.
From shaking my hand during a bicycle ride, to cutting the ribbon at ACTIV Center, to walking with us during Walktober, and finally serving Christmas dinner at our tables—these experiences have given me a very personal connection to our city leadership.
The mayor loves his people, and his people love their mayor. ❤️
Arlington Takes the World Stage ⚽️
And then came 2026—without a doubt, one of the greatest moments in Arlington’s 150-year history.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup came to our city, with nine World Cup matches played at AT&T Stadium.
Fans from around the world gathered in Arlington, putting our city on the global stage.
As an Arlington resident, I could not be more proud.
Retirement, but Never Standing Still
I am also incredibly fortunate to have entered a new chapter of life here after retirement.
Retirement has not meant slowing down. Instead, it has given me more time to give back to the community.
I have volunteered at the Arlington Museum of Art, told Chinese stories to children through the library’s online programs, and participated in volunteer and community activities at ACTIV Center.
Cycling, art, culture, volunteering, and community service have made my retirement life more meaningful and colorful than I ever imagined.
To celebrate Arlington’s 150th anniversary, I even wrote “Arlington, My Home” in several languages—a song expressing my love and gratitude for this wonderful city. Click link to listen the lovely songs in 8 different languages: https://huagangchen.com/song
Twenty-one years is only a small chapter in Arlington’s 150-year history.
But for my family, it represents a beautiful and unforgettable chapter of our own lives.
From moving here in 2005, to falling in love with our little one-story home; from watching our son graduate from Martin High School and go on to West Point, to seeing him return there as a Major and instructor; from cycling through Arlington’s parks, to casting a vote for a future mayor; from participating in community activities to volunteering after retirement—I have come to realize something:
A city is not simply made of buildings and roads. A city is made of the lives, memories, friendships, dreams, and contributions of ordinary people.
Arlington is no longer simply the place where we live.
It is our home.
And as we celebrate 150 years of Arlington, I look forward to seeing what the next 150 years will bring.
150 years of history. The World Cup as a moment of glory. A community full of heart. And an even brighter future ahead.
Happy 150th Birthday, Arlington! 🎉
Arlington, my home! ❤️🏡🚲⚽️