Big Al here…How do you like the picture of the flag? One of my favorite things to watch is Old Glory blowing in the wind. (Sorry, I don’t know enough tricks on my computer to get the flag to move. My kids do, but they don’t have the patience to teach me. Can’t blame them.)
Can you remember a more beautiful July 4th weekend weather-wise? Perfect.
Also perfect…Two fabulous television programs I enjoyed that captured the essence of what this holiday is all about. Sunday night on PBS, I watched “A Capitol 4th”, live from the Mall in Washington D.C. They celebrated the 30th anniversary of the show with the usual line up of music, stirring patriotic messages and of course spectacular fireworks. I’m a push over for patriotism and it gets to me every time. One of the performers was Gladys Knight who I had the honor and privilege of performing with on stage at the Fox Theater some years back. It was a brief cameo appearance in the theatrical production of “Smokey Joe’s Café”. What does this have to do with the 4th of July? Absolutely nothing. It’s just another shameless plug from yours truly.
I also watched several riveting installments of “Liberty! The American Revolution” on the History Channel. (Honest, I did. I’m not just trying to impress Dick) It provided an in-depth look at the Revolutionary War, the work of the Continental Congress, the birth of our nation and our Proud First PaPa…George Washington.
* I didn’t realize how reluctant Washington was about being chosen our first president. Exhausted from years on the battlefield, all he wanted to do was return to Martha and spend his remaining days at his beloved Mount Vernon home. When you think about it, it’s a story that almost mirrors Dick’s retirement.
But Washington gave into the pressure of his fellow patriots and agreed to serve. And you know what? He had to be the best president our nation has ever known. If not for the simple fact that he didn’t have to RUN for office! No pressure from lobbyists, no campaign promises to break, no flip-flopping on issues to get re- elected! Pretty refreshing, huh?
What made the greatest impact on me from this fine PBS production, was the genius of our nation’s founders. Collectively, a group of courageous men with varied opinions and backgrounds engaged in heated debate until finally a Constitution was written and the foundation of a nation, like none other, was born. And it got me to thinking (which I count as an aerobic exercise). Could 1776 have been the last time a group of politicians got together and actually agreed on something for the common good? I’m not discounting landmark legislation like Civil Rights and the Right for Women to Vote. (I think the jury is still out on a Woman’s Right to Vote….just kidding) The point is, there’s so much divisiveness today that it makes you wonder.
I think it should be mandatory for our elected officials - Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike – to watch “Liberty! The American Revolution”. It might just be the perfect refresher course they need to get back to the basics. I mean, if a group of guys in wigs and puffy white shirts could compromise enough to form a country, would it be too much to ask today’s elected officials in tailored suits/pantsuits to do everything they can to preserve it?
Okay, time for me to get off my soapbox and enjoy the remaining part of the holiday. No, I’m not going to a great sale on washers and dryers. I’m off to a barbeque with family and friends to do the two most important things an American can do on its National Birthday: Thank God for America and over eat!
Be well and see you next time here at DickPurtan.com!
“Big Al”
* Historical facts stated by Big Al should definitely be double checked.