It has been a busy 2 weeks and it still not over yet. I spent 5 days in New Mexico teaching in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Then got home on Wednesday and drove down to Monterey to watch our son graduate from the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio and be promoted to Corporal in the United States Marines.
So the week before the 4th of July I have been immersed in great pride for our country. Where else in the world could you live in peace with all the diverse ethnic blood pulsating through this country’s veins? No place but America. We aren’t perfect, God only knows, but we are free. Free to choose our path in life. Free to vote. Free to worship our God and free to Love.
I was talking to a woman recently about how my son’s generation is different than mine. It’s like no other before it with the possible exception of that of WWII. There has been a very strong feeling within this younger generation of pride in country and the desire to serve it. She said Sure, it’s because they have infiltrated the schools with military recruiters! WOW that hurt!
You mean I had nothing to do with the raising of my child? God knows I didn’t want this path for my only child. I was hoping for, maybe, a dentist.
But every day he watch Joe and I stand up for our rights. Events such as the Yellow House incident and the Asbestos Fraud, not to mention the yelling at the pastor over children being hurt. The idea that he could be easily swayed or recruited to give up his life for his country by one guy on campus or be influenced by the dreaded video game and not years of seeing and hearing his parents and grandparents live their lives standing up for what was right, made me sick.
My flight home from New Mexico was through San Diego, another great and beautiful city. Not just because of is beaches and great weather, but because of its diversity. I had the pleasure of sitting next to a young man of 12 and his mother. We started up a conversation right away. You could tell he was bright and very polite. He was visiting family in San Diego. I could see the pride on her face she as he talked to me. He told me he was Irish, English, Scottish and Samoan. I told him Young man, you are a true American! I am English, Dutch, German and Cherokee. He gave me a nod of his head and a high five and then we all laughed. This young man did not get this way because of the influence of school but because of the influence of his parents.
So as my son graduated we had the opportunity to meet his instructors who originally lived in several countries in the Middle East. They, too, came to America just like your family and mine, seeking the freedom to raise their children, worship God and be free to choose their own path. As proud as I am of my son, it was obvious that his instructors shared that same feeling for each of their students.
I hope you and your family celebrate a safe and happy Independence Day.