Another Note from the South

Another thing I notice from our visit to the south lands, was the amazing;y patriotic response to service men and women who were traveling through  Granted we were only in two airports besides our own, but Atlanta's airport has a beautiful tradition of bystanders standing and clapping as soldiers and airmen walk off a plane.  There is a big banner hanging across the main entrance way from the gates that welcomes them home, and expresses gratitude and appreciation.

Why can't more places do that kind of thing?

I got a little chocked up when I realized what the spontaneous applause was after hearing it a few times.  Soldiers in fatigues traveling home fro the holidays, maybe, receiving a nation's gratitude and thanks.  That is terrific.

In Orlando I saw a young woman, also in fatigues, saying goodbye to her family--whether after a holiday visit or just being deployed I couldn't tell.  It was heart breaking.  And awe-inspiring at the same time.

Thank heavens for those who are willing to serve, and willing to leave their families for the sake of a sometimes ungrateful nation.  We need to do better to say Thank You to these fine men and women.

Patriotism is alive and well in the Orlando and Atlanta airports.  And it was reawakened in my heart on this trip too.

Veteran's Day

"Thank You" just doesn't really express how deeply I feel it. 

But my life is better because of your service, your sacrifice, and your efforts.

"Thank You" seem an inadequate thing to tell you, after all you've done.

But my community and our society are unquestionably better for you doing it.

A quick "Thank You" on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day is negligent on our part.

But you never waited for the applause and accolades to do what you knew needed to be done.

"Thank You" can't give your family the time they have missed with you.

But they are heroes too, and you--with them--have offered much more than most of us.

"Thank You" for your service, your sacrifices, your efforts, your dedication.

My family, my life, my country, my world are all that I love because of men and women like you.

THANK YOU.

From the bottom of my heart.

Remembering Veteran's Day, 2011.

Happy Independence Day!

Oh say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof thru the night that our flag was still there.

Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen thru the mists of the deep,

Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines on the stream;

’Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh, thus be it ever, when free men shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!

Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land

Praise the Pow’r that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: “In God is our trust!”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

--Francis Scott Key, 1779–1843



Veterans' Day

Today I would like to take a moment and honor those service men and women who have served in the military.  So much of what I enjoy has been assured by their sacrifice.  Much of what I enjoy every day, they have also tried to provide to others around the world.  Many of them have sacrificed their health, well-being, time with loved ones, and even their lives--at times--to protect and serve me.

I am thankful for them.  I honor their service and sacrifice.  And I encourage you to fly the flag today in honor of them.

Where is Jimmy Stewart When We Really Need Him?

"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president."  ~Theodore Roosevelt
 
I am grateful to live in this country.
 
This week I read an article written by Mitch Ablom (who wrote one of my favorite books ever: Tuesdays with Morrie).  He wrote about a politician by the name of Bart Stupak, Congressman from Michigan's 1st District who is serving out the end of his lame duck term.  Mr. Stupak has served nine terms as the democratic representative for his district.  This term, he did not run for re-election.
 
He is leaving office because he has lost confidence in his colleagues' cooperation, consideration, and common sense. 

I'm sure when he was first elected he had full confidence in all those things.  That is what "The People" expect from their elected officials, right?  We seek out the brightest, smartest, most optimistic, patriotic statesmen and women to serve their country by representing their districts in the hallowed halls of Congress.  Apparently, that ideal has faded from our political horizon.
 
Remember seeing Mr. Smith Goes to Washington?   Talk about boy scout idealism.  Jimmy Stewart was perfect in his portrayal of that optimistic, ready-to-change-the-world, willing-to-serve-his-country senator- elect.  Sadly, that isn't even the way we elect a senator or representative any more.
 
Nowadays, it seems, we look for the exact opposite: the loudest, biggest, school-yard bully who has the most money, or at least, the most monied supporters, who squawks about getting our district's "fair share" or getting "those bums thrown out".  No one gets elected if they tell us up-front they are willing to compromise, cooperate and look for answers together. No way. Guys like that are zapped by the opposition as soft.  They just can't get elected.
 
That is why Mr. Stupak is going home to Michigan in January.  And really, I can't say I blame him.

In the article he writes that the only ones entering politics are the mean, the thick-skinned, and the rich.  I am not any of those things.  How can those kind of people represent my views, my concerns, my hopes for America's future?
 
I wish Mr. Stupak well.  Hearing of his defeat makes me wish we had 100 Mr. Smith's in the Senate, and 435 or so in the House.  I think I'd settle for even a few more Mr. Stupaks.

Still Tender

In light of the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist attacks, I was hoping to write something wistful and hopeful today.  But as I examined my own feelings--particularly in the context of the current events and news of the day--I realized that I am still sore about that day.  Not sore in an angry way, but sore, like a muscle overworked suddenly.

Then I found this poem.  It is was written by William J. Monahan, and I read it yesterday as his post for  Meridian Magazine online.  I'll leave it with you to ponder, while I go put the flag out.

A Tribute to 9/11

By Wm J. Monahan

From the ashen sky we feel the molten debris cauterize our wounds,

numbing us to the desperate leaps from windows of lava

melting high above the expedient pavement of New York.

Frenzy and chaos give way to anger and despair

as angels risk stairways of death,

the glass and steel bending its last breath to the will of Al-Qaeda thugs,

(as if America were only spires of concrete or the dollars striping Wall Street).

Liberty did not bend an inch today nor bow her proud head to terror.

Her flame was not extinguished by renegades

contorting her frame into a twisted version of Justice

(as if Liberty needed terror’s graffiti to enhance Her image,

or hand-slap Her graceful fingers).

In the skies over Pennsylvania,

America swings back at the sucker-punch of United Flight 93,

resolute in preserving the ideal,

reflected in faces like Tom Burnett’s and Todd Beamer’s,

openly;

not hiding darkly as in a glass,

or cowering in caves shrouded in the anemia of a sickly god.

As towers crumble,

as the tephra of metal and ash

plume like Vesuvius gone mad,

we revere a photo of a bleeding child

enfolded in a firefighter’s blackened arms,

and like America, both destined to live on–to remember,

and to light the way,

because the torch is not fastened to Lady Liberty,

but to us all.

Sunday Video

Happy Birthday, America!

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American where as least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land. God bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land. God bless the U.S.A

--words and music written by Lee Greenwood

Memorial Day

National Mumble

Did you happen to see the Canadian pairs skaters, the ones who won the gold medal? On the medal podium they sang their hearts out as "Oh, Canada!" rang through the arena. For that matter, the audience sang along with gusto! It was very cool to watch.

I noticed, in contrast, that the Americans who won gold didn't seem that enthusiastic about singing our national anthem. I wonder why that is!? There were plenty of Americans in the audience, yet the audience didn't sing along like the Canadians either.

As I have watched plenty of Olympics in my day, I can't recall the vigorous singing of the national anthem even when the games were held in the USA. What makes the difference?

Is our anthem too difficult to sing? I don't think so. There are plenty of singers--talented and not-talented--who believe they can sing it. And when you sing in a group, like at the medals ceremony, the volume should counteract the pitch problems.

Is our national anthem uninspiring? Uh, no. That song is filled with musicality and emotion.

Are Americans just too timid to sing it? Timidity is not usually the problem with Americans on an international stage. Generally, Americans are over the top the other way--too boisterous, too bold, too obnoxious.

Are Americans embarrassed with our country? That could be it, but I think in elite sports there is little room for politics or social agendas. But everyone is entitled to their opinions. So, that could be, but then why would the athlete want to compete "for their country"? I'm not sure about this theory.

I have no answers to this dilemma. But I sure wish the patriotism could speak up when the national anthem plays. That is one thing I loved about our local high school football season. The audience sang that song with zest and fervor at the beginning of each game. I would have loved to see that on the Olympic stage.

Where Were You....

I'm not a big country music fan, but there is a song by Alan Jackson that goes like this:

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

I know exactly were I was. I had The Boy riding piggyback as we walked The Girl down to the neighbor's house for morning carpool. Neighbor Brook saw us walking up and asked, "Have you turned on the news?" I told her no, that we don't usually turn on the TV in the morning. "Come inside. You have to see this," she told me. I walked my daughter and little son into her home where the images of that terrible day were being played on every channel, on every station that morning. Horrifying. I feel the sting of tears even as I write this.

I immediately wondered what I was doing sending my little girl into a world capable of that kind of atrocity. I know my daughter got to school that day, and in first grade that morning had a substitute--when she really needed her steady, loving, experienced teacher. Her good teacher, I know from speaking with her later, felt the same--once the news was out that day. She knew her students needed her. And she wanted to be there for her kids. The class had a good, age-appropriate discussion the next day, and that helped them understand what they could.

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

That was my first response as The Boy and I got into our home that morning. I dropped to my knees and prayed through the tears.

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself to what really matters
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone

Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning, that September day?

Seven years later now and it still affects me. I hope that affectation never goes away. If it does, I think that would mean that I am turning cold and hard hearted. I hope that tragedy always affects me. I hope my patriotism always surfaces when I see the good that our country is capable of and how we can treat each other.

My prayer today is not that different than it was seven years ago. May we each care for our families a little better, love a little more and show more sincere kindness. May we discern right from wrong and hold tight to what is right, even if it means standing up to the wrong. May God watch over my loved ones, near and far, and keep them safe and protected and bless them to know how much I love them. And may God bless America, with all it's faults and trials, as it is a promised land and one unmatched the world over. Finally, may we be worthy to have the stewardship of this country and the courage to do what is right in order for the Gospel to thrive here. We do live in a blessed land. I know that and this anniversary reminds me that there are a lot of good, righteous, and hopeful people in America. Our country is far from a lost cause. But we must do our part, and be vigilant doing it.

Where were you when the world stopped turning? And what are you doing today to remember?

Olympic Dreams

This week, following a fairly good showing by both The Kids at the Saturday swim meet, I have occasionally been on YouTube looking up Olympic Swim videos. THIS is why the Internet was created--for me to discover, on a whim, just what I want!

Do any of you remember the 1984 Summer Olympics? That USA love fest in Los Angeles, with all the communist teams boycotting us because we boycotted them four years before?! I was almost 15 during those games and I remember just eating it all up. Now, I can recall watching Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci in Olympics prior to this one, but that was still when I was young (and small) enough to be delusional about someday being a gymnast. And even though I cheered for MaryLou Retton and Peter Vidmar, by the '84 Games I was well on my way to understanding there was no possible chance of me EVER being a gymnast, or any other Olympian for that matter.

I have old photos of my sister, mom and I joined by several other neighbors at the end of our mile long street where it meets the state highway to watch the Olympic torch run by. It was pretty cool. What I remember best of those games though, happened at the Olympic pool.

Recognize any of these names? Rowdy Gaines, Pablo Morales, Steve Lundquist, Rick Carey, Matt Biondi, John Moffet or Janet Evans--sound familiar? OK, I know, Janet Evans was awesome at the '88 Seoul Games. In high school I didn't have many movie star crushes--except Indiana Jones, understandably --but I think the next closest thing I had was a pretty major crush on that Olympic gold winning men's medley relay team. Whew. They were fantastic.

Each time I watch my own kids, or the other kids on our city team swim, and they are doing their best, I get the same feelings deep in my gut. I am proud of them for their accomplishments. I am proud to see them do well, and I am proud of their sportsmanship. And, in a corny way, it makes me feel like I can do whatever it is that I do even better too. There is an element of "practice makes perfect" with swimming, like anything else. But as I watch my kids enjoying something I loved at their ages, it makes be feel closer to them and more connected as a family.

And really, who couldn't enjoy a little "old school" swimming remembrances when it conjours up some patriotic pride and a little swimming envy as well? Since the Beijing games are only about 5 weeks away now, maybe in August I will watch another set of Olympic pool sensations with my kids and find a whole new batch of swimming heroes.