I had a great love in my life. I was in my early twenties and had just arrived in New York City from the cornfields of the University of Nebraska. He was ten years older than me, on his way to success, and further along in the “being a grown-up” arena. He was handsome, smart, funny and incredibly energetic — the kind of energetic that took others along for the ride. In the end, we didn’t work out, but I never forgot one of the best weekends I’ve ever had in New York, a weekend that he brought to me.
I remember that weekend. I was there too. The ships--those soaring symbols of country and freedom, so elegant and regal. The crack of the fireworks-brilliant explosions of joy, the sound of the Stars and Stripes...it makes me weep now just thinking about it. How incredibly proud we all were of our country. To be AMERICANS. We were all Americans, all the colors, the preferences, the cultures, in NYC. Have people just forgotten what it means to be an American, or have they just redefined in it such polarity that we aren't not Americans anymore, just Republicans or Democrats? I keep wondering how a hateful dictator took control of America and brainwashed so many people into thinking that hate, exclusivity and control are the real America...but that's not helpful. I too will remember that feeling of unity, pride and hope. We are still Americans!
Thanks for this beautiful story of your life. Every 4th of July I think about my Dad, who joined the Canadian Airforce (RCAF) when he was 18 because America had not yet entered the War and he wanted to stop the destruction in Europe and lives lost. A member of the Greatest Generation, he transferred to the Marines when USA entered. He had a love of this country like no one I ever knew. I think about how disappointed he must be with the tragedies around us on this most important holiday. I wish now I could ask him 100 questions, and have him tell me that everything will be alright.
I live in anguish thinking what my Grandfather (an Army colonel who was commandant of the Nome, AK army base, among other things) and my father (a lifelong Republican) would feel about the descent of this nation into madness.
I remember that weekend like you.
I remember that weekend. I was there too. The ships--those soaring symbols of country and freedom, so elegant and regal. The crack of the fireworks-brilliant explosions of joy, the sound of the Stars and Stripes...it makes me weep now just thinking about it. How incredibly proud we all were of our country. To be AMERICANS. We were all Americans, all the colors, the preferences, the cultures, in NYC. Have people just forgotten what it means to be an American, or have they just redefined in it such polarity that we aren't not Americans anymore, just Republicans or Democrats? I keep wondering how a hateful dictator took control of America and brainwashed so many people into thinking that hate, exclusivity and control are the real America...but that's not helpful. I too will remember that feeling of unity, pride and hope. We are still Americans!
Thanks for this beautiful story of your life. Every 4th of July I think about my Dad, who joined the Canadian Airforce (RCAF) when he was 18 because America had not yet entered the War and he wanted to stop the destruction in Europe and lives lost. A member of the Greatest Generation, he transferred to the Marines when USA entered. He had a love of this country like no one I ever knew. I think about how disappointed he must be with the tragedies around us on this most important holiday. I wish now I could ask him 100 questions, and have him tell me that everything will be alright.
I live in anguish thinking what my Grandfather (an Army colonel who was commandant of the Nome, AK army base, among other things) and my father (a lifelong Republican) would feel about the descent of this nation into madness.