The Visions of Leaders Lost

     It has been 50 years since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.    The news this week was filled with stories recounting that fateful day in Dallas, Texas when the president was fired upon, and ultimately killed.  The nation fell into a period of deep mourning.  It is often stated many can remember exactly where they were, and what they were doing when they heard the news.   One common thread appears in the numerous television, newspaper, magazine, and internet stories.  The question of what might have been had JFK lived.

     Regardless of his political or personal issues, the one factor all seem to agree is that he had ambition and a vision to literally and figuratively send the country to the moon.  I was too young to remember the loss of this president, but I do remember assassinations of others who followed.   I remember being home and hearing my parents say “Oh my god.  They shot King.”   I remember sitting in my elementary classroom.  The teachers talking about Robert Kennedy as his funeral was being broadcasted on the television hanging above our heads.  Even though I was too young to fully understand the significance of these men, it was clear the nation had suffered a great loss with the passing of each one.

      I often wonder the direction our country might have taken had these leaders lived.   John with his ambition and expression that as a country we have no limits, Robert with the focus on social issues in need of immediate attention, and Martin with his nonviolent movement to insure that all Americans have the right to live a life of freedom.   A generation of young Americans lost their visionaries and yet still yearn to achieve the ideals they so eloquently preached, and so tirelessly worked toward accomplishing.  This is their legacy.   Hopefully we are still listening to the message and someday will reach the moon, the mountain top, and the peace of an America that is safe, strong, and equal for all.

Storming the Gates

      The ineptitude of Congress has forced a government shutdown. The welfare of the people has been overstepped in favor of political standings.  The worst part of this occurrence is the number of citizens who will suffer in terms of income and services.  Amidst the confusion and disbelief, a group of veterans from what is often called the nation’s greatest generation, showed us the will and strength of the American people.

     World War II veterans, in their ‘80s and ‘90s arrived at the gates of the WWII memorial only to find gates blocking the entrance. After travelling thousands of miles, and planning for months, the reality of the shutdown stared them in the face. They fought in a horrendous war. Many of their fellow soldiers did not return. Many came back injured or suffering from PTSD. They returned, went back to work, raised families, and lived their lives with a legacy of having served their country. They believed in the land of the free and the home of the brave. To them, there was no place better than the United States of America.

     So, this week, when they arrived to find the gates closed, they reached back to the strength and courage they had all those years ago and fought their way in. They visited the memorial that honored the sacrifice so many had given in order to preserve the freedom we treasure. They reminded us of the American they for which they fought so hard.  They lived a life dedication and love of country.

     The politicians did not need to be there. We didn’t need to hear the prepared statements they made in disguise of praise. We cheered when we saw those gates come down, and the veterans made their way to their memorial. In many ways it symbolized what we as a country need to do. We need to start working together to find solutions. We need to respect our fellow citizens and remember that no matter what we go though, we can come out stronger. We have stay focused, determined, and bust through the obstacles that hold us back. Just like the veterans from a war that changed the world continue to show us by storming through those gates.

Home of the Brave

     Thousands of small children claim when they grow up they want to be one of them.  In reality, far fewer answer the call.  Months of training and passing tests are required to be added to the city, town, and rural units that exist across the country.  Others will become part of the elite corps called up for the most serious and difficult situations.  They are committed in their service to society, and often are taken for granted until something happens which make us painfully aware just how much we need them.

     They understand the danger and risk they face on an ongoing basis.  Their loved ones know there is always the chance, no matter how well-prepared, something could go terribly wrong.  Every time they leave for work may be the last.  Yet, when the call comes, they do not hesitate to respond.   While others are told to evacuate for their safety, they march in to save lives and property.  If any fall, there are others right behind them to continue the job.  They don’t take time to grieve until the mission is accomplished.

   Who are they?  They are the firefighters of America.  Be it the local department, or the forces called up for national disasters, they encounter heat, flames, and smoke to put out a force of nature that is all consuming.  They are the NYPD on 9/11, the Hotshots in Arizona, and the countless departments that fight fires in the neighborhoods of every community.  It is devastating when one is lost, catastrophic when whole units are wiped out, all dying what they loved to do.  This past week, we celebrated the 4^th of July.  Thoughts of freedom and patriotism are revisited and renewed in our hearts.   But, there is another phrase we recite as a source of national pride.  One epitomized in the strength and character of the people committed to keeping our nation safe regardless of risk.   For the nineteen lost last week, and all the firefighters who have died before them, you are part of the fabric in the words ….”home of the brave.”   A nation is forever indebted.

Remembering Our America

     This weekend, the nation celebrates Memorial Day.  Picnics and parades will commence in numerous towns and cities across America.  This year the feeling is especially poignant given the number of human tragedies and natural disasters which have occurred.  It has been a never-ending series of events causing pain and disbelief.  We are a nation stuck in a mode of constant healing, and are wondering if there will ever be a period of calm and peace again.  Storms, bombings, shootings, bullying, and economic depression have left us praying for those suffering loss and heartache.  In the midst of all the chaos, comes a holiday when we honor those who have served our country.  A country whose values they held close to their heart in hope of preserving our democracy and freedom.

     My mother’s uncles served in both world wars.  Uncle Mike served in WWI. He was given special honors for his bravery.   Experiencing happenings so horrific, he actually tried to get himself shot in the leg near the end so that he could go home.  Uncle Tony served in WWII.  He joked that he only won the lottery once in his life.  Surprisingly when he went to claim, there were thousands of other winners.  Not a day went by when he didn’t have some story related to the war.  A good, kind man, the effects were deep and lasting.  Although parades were held in the large cities, soldiers returning to small towns and rural areas simply went home to the relief of their loved ones.  Somehow their lives went on, but the experience lived with them forever.

     On Monday, when people gather to celebrate in backyards, parks, and on Main Street, let’s remember our America.  It remains country of enduring hope, support, and thoughts of the future.  A country where people offer support to those in need and those capable of evil will never be tolerated.  Areas of destruction will be rebuilt, and those lost will never be forgotten.  The veterans, who served so proudly and sacrificed so much, deserve our praise for reminding us what it means to be an American, and for being the definition of love of country.   God bless America.

 

The Right to Know

     The past few months have produced numerous debates on our constitutional rights.  Part of the discussion revolves around the idea of privacy.  This is somewhat puzzling as there are many instances in this country where identification and checks involving personal information is required.  We accept these requirements as a means to obtaining our goal.  We don’t cry that it violates our rights.  We understand the necessity of proving our identity, and other information for a variety of everyday activity.  Somehow this has been forgotten.

   We need a photo I.D. to get on a plane, enter certain establishments, organizations and events, purchase alcohol, and do many financial transactions.  We need to present it when we vote which is also a constitutional right.  There has been some protest regarding these issues, but nothing that has caused a large national outcry.

     When we apply for a credit card, loan, or mortgage, our entire credit history is researched and analyzed.  Every dime we borrowed is scrutinized and evaluated in determining if we are eligible for the type of credit for which we are applying.  We accept the consequences of our past actions, and understand that banks and lending institutions have the right to obtain this information.

     If we purchase or sell a home, it becomes a matter of public record and often the transaction is printed in local newspapers.  Personally I don’t like the idea that a person’s name and address, as well as the amount of money involved is made available, but the paper has the right to report it.  In my newspaper they even print divorces.  That seems over the top in terms of needing to know, but it is allowed.

     When we get on a plane, we have to produce I.D. as stated above, and go through security. Our bags and self are scanned for anything suspicious.  There have been cases of TSA officials going too far, but after 9/11, most people favor these measures as a means of providing steps to insure our safety.  The masses aren’t screaming about their rights.

     When I registered my kids for school, I had to bring along the deed to my home to prove my place of residency.  Due to current events, I now have to produce I.D. to any school personnel who make a request.  Everyone understands the necessity of these new procedures without question.

     Many places of business, education, and health, require fingerprinting, drug tests, and background checks.  If you want the job you will comply.  Applications ask if you have ever committed a crime.  I’m sure most individuals would not want to submit such information, but it is all part of the hiring process. Some jobs require testing in order to obtain a license rendering them competent in their field.  Fail the test and you don’t get the license.  If you don’t have a license, you can’t have the job.

     However, there are places in this country where an individual can purchase a gun with nothing more than a simple permit.  They don’t have to pass a test. They don’t need a license.  The seller doesn’t need to conduct a background check.  There are so many other instances in which we subject ourselves to checks, tests, licensing, and identification.  Why does this issue suddenly violate our rights?  If gun advocates want to prove that owners of guns are responsible and trained, they should be out in full support of universal background checks.  It is a requirement that should be upheld and fulfilled. It is a responsibility that must come along with a right.

Support the Cause. Take the Sandy Hook promise. http://causes.com/sandyhookpromise

The Freedom Granted by July 4th

      The Fourth of July is here again.  People celebrate with barbecues, going to the shore, fireworks, parades, and family gatherings.   But what are we celebrating?  Do we take time to remember the meaning of the day?  It is the day when America declared its independence, but it also serves as a reminder of a value we all treasure.  Freedom.  It is a term which at times requires a refresher course regarding its meaning.   There are those who tend to forget that all Americans are granted a right to freedom.

Centuries ago, people braved the oceans to escape religious persecution.  They wanted the right to worship and follow traditions as they believed.  Why then does religion play such a part in our political elections and rulings?  If everyone has the right to worship as they see fit, how can any religion determine the social and moral standards of living of people living in this country.  As long as it abides by the law of the land, no group or individual should be told how to live their life.

The writers of our nation’s documents were wise to include the separation of church and state.   It did not stop anyone from having their own beliefs, but it ensured that those beliefs would not influence our laws.  Yet the campaigns of our candidates for public office have to tip toe around certain groups so as to not offend and lose their vote.  This is another game of politics which many can see right through.  Our leaders have to make clear their stance on issues and remember that they are representative of a nation, but any one group.

So on July 4th, remember the people from past generations who fought for freedom.  They are the colonists, the suffragettes, the civil rights leaders, and the thousands of Americans who served and gave their lives defending our freedom.  They are the people who continue to fight for equality.  Remember that we enjoy the rights and way of life that others around the world aspire to.   Every individual has the freedom to live a life that brings the greatest achievement of all.   Happiness.

Continuing the Support of Our Troops

The war had been declared over in Iraq.  After 9 long years, the troops are withdrawing and coming home.  This is a welcomed holiday gift for the service men and women, and their loved ones.   Close to 4,500 died, and 30,000 were injured in a country most cannot even locate on a map.  A place so far that it doesn’t come to mind every day.   A country so different from our own that it is difficult to completely understand what are young people were sent to fight for.   There are similarities of horror and fear for all those who fight in a war.  The difference this time around is that we have no excuse in understanding and helping the veterans who have sacrificed so much.

We send off our young at a time when they are just starting to find their way in life.  Some have just finished school, others are newly married, or have young  children.  All leave behind family, friends, and a hometown to worry about their safety and well-being.  What we can’t imagine or fully comprehend, is what these brave young people saw and dealt with on a day-to-day basis.  The horrors of war do not leave a person when they come home.  My mother’s uncle was a World War II veteran.  Anytime you saw him, a story about his time in the war came up.  Some came home to a hero’s parade.  Being from a small town, that didn’t happen for him.  There were no programs to assist returning soldiers and jobs had to be found.  Nothing was handed to them.

The veterans of Vietnam came home to a hostile and indifferent nation.  It took way too much time to recognize the service  of these soldiers.  Many of the returning Iraqi war veterans are starting to utter the same feelings and concerns.  Have we not learned anything from out past?  Regardless of how any individual feels about a war, respect for the commitment and promise these individuals made for our country should be offered.  It takes a special human being to confront danger on a daily basis.   The least we can do is honor the oath they took to defend and protect the freedom we so enjoy.  So, whenever you see or hear that someone has served our country, no matter what war, let them know that we stand behind them and will continue to offer support for as long as they live.   Money was available to fight the war, money should be available to support its veterans.  In addition, the validation of  a job well-done needs to be expressed repeatedly.   In America, it is right thing to do.

The Flag Flies at Half-Mast

Article first published as The Flag Flies At Half-Mast on Technorati.

For the past couple of weeks, I have noticed that the flag has been flying at half-mast.  Although it is always noticeable when lowered, it has been this way for what seems longer than usual.  The reason is there has been more than one loss of a young soldier in a short period of time.  As time moves on, as the war spreads over years, we can become complacent in our realization that lives are being lost every day due to wars in another part of the world far away from the United States.   A country that many of us will never know, never visit, and will never understand.  President Obama  has announced that troops will begin withdrawing from Afghanistan, and 30,000 will  be  sent to the U.S. by next summer.   For Americans, the time has come to bring our people home.

Summertime has arrived.  School has ended.   The children are experiencing carefree days filled with relaxation and fun.  We go off on vacations, spend time swimming, and have barbecues.  The days are longer and the pace is slower.   Life for many is enjoyable, and yet that flag flies at half-mast.  I can only imagine the magnitude of the loss felt for these young people.  The family and loved ones they left behind.  The hope for the future they held, and the promise they gave to serve their country.  It was a promise which most likely would have continued in some capacity upon their return.

Equally important are the soldiers who returned but have been physically injured or mentally impaired.  They left  Afghanistan, but are still dealing with the effects of war.   So much has been given in order to fight an evil that destroyed a country, and threatened ours.  For many, the memories of this war will linger long after we move on.

In this period between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, we should remember all those who served to provide us with the freedoms of which we are accustomed, and often take for granted.   Next summer there will be many others who will join us in our celebration of hope and happiness, of liberty and justice.  In the meantime, we must continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers for a safe return, and never forget the sacrifice they made for the love of our country.