During our recent road trip over the Fourth of July week, Mike and I had the opportunity to spend 5 days exploring some of our great nation's historical sites. Each day it became more and more apparent to me that I take a lot for granted, but more importantly, I was constantly reminded that freedom isn't free.
To say it was HOT is an understatement with day after day of 100+ degree heat. But we were determined to enjoy our vacation, and I just told myself to remember that the founding families didn't have the many modern comforts we enjoy...air conditioning, refrigeration, electricity, bottled water, sunscreen, shorts, running water, the list goes on and on!
The early settlers of America had an extensive list of their own...trans-Atlantic travel, colonization, starvation, poverty, aggressive natives, oppressive kings, revolution, war, slavery, civil war...not to mention the dangers inherent in poor diet and hygiene, disease, and less-than-modern medical practices.
Despite the daunting task of pioneering a new nation, first for England and later for themselves, America's ancestors stepped up with courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Some came of their own accord with hopes and dreams for a better future while others were enslaved by their poverty, their crimes, or the color of their skin. But in the end, they all laid the foundation of this great nation with their blood, sweat, and tears.
Nowhere was this sacrifice more evident than while visiting Arlington National Cemetery where the endless rows of perfectly aligned headstones of soldiers and patriots of every war stand forever at attention, and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded every minute of every day without fail. I was humbled at the changing of the guard ceremony and grateful for every single soul who gave their life so that I could be an American.
At Colonial Williamsburg on the Fourth of July, we listened to an Air Force band, a Colonial Drum and Fife Corp, and the Virginia Symphony play patriotic tunes and recognize our nation's veterans and servicemen with each of the military themes. It was moving to see so many stand proudly when their branch theme was played, and even better to see the mass of non-military enthusiastically applauding their service.
I suppose the hardest part of our vacation was seeing these wonderful sites and feeling such profound emotions in light of our nation's current state of affairs. I didn't start this post planning on a political finish, but I just can't seem to help myself!
This country was built on the ideals of freedom and liberty, fueled by the drive of entrepreneurs and competition, fortified by a basic knowledge that individuals have the right to choose for themselves. Yet along with this freedom comes the responsibility to work hard for both our own and the common welfare.
It pains me deeply to think that the sacrifices of so many, and for so long could be for naught if we relinquish all our freedoms to the federal government. The difference between a president and a king telling me what I can and cannot do is semantics...it's still oppression, and it's still wrong!
Yours,
Silence Dogood
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below is a list of the places we visited on our patriotic vacation...
- July 1: Lincoln Memorial, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History
- July 2: Arlington National Cemetery, National Archives, National Air and Space Museum, trolley tour of Georgetown (including the National Cathedral)
- July 3: George Washington's home at Mt. Vernon
- July 4: Colonial Williamsburg with an evening performance of the Virginia Symphony and fireworks
- July 5: Thomas Jefferson's home at Monticello
