Independance Day 2020

I usually try to write something special each year to commemorate the 4th of July, but this year I was coming up empty.

I am not sure if it is related to the ongoing Coronovirus problems and the seeming mishandling of them, or the inability to redress the concerns of so many of our citizens leading to the unrest and turmoil in the streets or just why I don't seem able to write my usual yearly tribute.

Then, a couple of days ago I got an update from National Geographic's Genome Project. I had sent in a DNA sample several years ago and had actually pretty much forgotten about it. They were alerting all who contributed that the project was closing down its public access and if you wanted the information, you needed to download it before June 30.

So, I got looking at it again and much seems to have been added. They now trace your DNA travel from Africa to wherever your genetic ancestors roamed. All very interesting even if some of the science is largely above my pay-grade. My fathers ancestors left Africa and headed up the west coast of Europe ending up in Ireland. My mother's fore bearers went through the Middle East, Asia, across Europe and finally landed in Scotland.

Anyway, they also include a bunch of people with whom you share DNA. Not sure if that actually makes one related to these folks but for today"s purposes, it'll do!

Among those with whom I share DNA are Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. And, even if not actually related, I like to think so and what they would make of America today.

The more we study and learn about these men, or any others for that matter, the more flawed we discover them to be, just like the rest of us. They clearly had great abilities, flashes of genius and greatness and despite their seemingly many flaws brought this Nation into being: with all it flaws and flashes of genius and greatness.

So, on this July 4th, I stand in humble hope that we as Americans, as citizens, as human beings can find a means to better ourselves, our country, our world, and try to live up to the hopes and dreams of the American ideal, to reach for the flashes of genius and greatness that all our citizens, our brothers and sisters, strive for and so rightly deserve.

Even with all our flaws.

Next time, on the 9th, we will head back to Pennsylvania, so meet me there at 9:00am.

To see Vietnam Memorials from any state, please click on a state name on the left side of this page.

July 4, 2019

Most years I take a break from Vietnam memorials on special holidays and try to speak to other things. This year, on Independence Day, here is what's on my mind.

Today is the day we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and our break away from England to become a new Nation.

This is completely wrong as any Historian will tell you.

The Declaration was signed in Philadelphia on July 2nd but the printer did not get around to printing it until the 4th, so...

No matter, I guess, except as a caution to be careful as to what you may believe or think you know.

Here's another. We believe we are the free-est of peoples, but according to the most recent American Legion magazine article by Alan W. Dowd, this is just not so.

According to the Human Freedom Index which factors in rule of law, freedom of movement, freedom of religion and a number of other "freedoms" the U. S. ranks number 17!

On the International Property Rights Index, we rank at number 14.

The Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom: 12th.

On the Freedom House survey of political freedom we get a lower score than Canada, Costa Rica, Slovakia, Slovenia, France, and Finland.

The rest of Mr. Dowd's article is mostly a screed against government and you might agree or disagree, but my point is, not whether he is right or wrong, but, once again, be careful of what you think you know.

Some might argue that if you are not white and rich at the moment you are not doing as well as what we think our country promises us. Again a point argument will not decide if recent history is any indication.

So, I ask only that you do your homework, find out about what is happening in our country and the world. Research the various candidates and make a decision about for whom to vote.

Then Vote.

Too many of us say the parties are all the same and that it doesn't matter. But, it does and here is why. You may not think your vote matters and I know it is VERY easy to fall into this trap, but you know what?

Your boss is voting.

Your landlord is voting

Your banking officials are voting.

Your health care providers are voting.

The Insurance industry is voting.

The powerful interest groups are rallying their forces to vote.

The "military industrial complex" is voting.

Big oil is voting.

And, we out number them all, but only if we all educate ourselves and then, vote.

One final thing. No candidate is perfect, or embodies every single value or virtue we might want them to, or makes every decision just the way we might want them to, so you must find the person who most represents you, allow for their differences, and/or faults, and support them anyway.

Our way of life, our Democracy, our country, depends on it.

Next time, on the 9th, we will return to Virginia, so join me there, as always, at 9:00am.

To see Vietnam memorials, from any state, please click on the state name on the left side of this page.

July 4th, 2017

The Independence Day celebration is always a bit of a mixed bag for me.

I remember as a kid how much it meant to me and my anticipation and worry about if my folks would take me somewhere to see fireworks? Usually, they did, but I always worried.

As an adult, it seems important to continue these traditions and to honor those that have allowed us to retain our independence. Vietnam and more recent wars  have never really seemed to be about our independence and we all know the questions, right or wrong, about whether or not we should be engaged in wars of dubious intent and outcome.

As a Grandparent, I want my grand kids to know and understand what Independence Day is all about and to enjoy their thrill at all the festivities.

As a 'Nam vet, well that is a completely different matter all together.

I hate the noise, and God, I hate the smell, and what it has all come to represent for me. So, each year I wrestle with the question of what am I going to do?

I don't want to go.

I know many vets that feel the same way.

But, the grandchildren love it, just as I did all those many summers ago, How many years will I get to treasure their joy as they grow up and away? Also, I do not ever want to pass on my anxiety, so I work to keep it masked from them.

So, today, I will swallow what I feel and take my girls to the fireworks and concert in our area and watch them laugh and thrill to it all.

And, I will hope that they are never burdened with their own memories and doubts.

I hope you all have a great day.

Jefferson statue at Williamson, Va.

OK, on a lighter note, a quiz.

When was the Declaration of Independence signed?

July 4th, right?

Well, no.

It was signed on July 2nd and sent to the printer. He didn't get around to printing it until the 4th and, hence, used that date. So, the rest as they say.....

Detail from Jefferson's writing

Next time on July 9th, we will retrace our steps to New York, so join me there at 9:00am.

To see Vietnam memorials from any state just click the state name on the left side of this page.