As the
ship left New York City’s harbor, many passengers arrived on deck to view the
spectacular skyline gradually lighting up in the dusk. The bon voyage celebratory
spirit was alive and well as the “Big Apple” was viewed from our course on the
Hudson River as we traveled south before heading out to sea. Stunning were the
sights! Someone said, “Now I know why they had us embark in the evening.”
As the
newest and now tallest skyscraper in Manhattan was spotted in the distance near
Wall Street, the party atmosphere began to shift. The clink of cocktail glasses
subsided as people became quieter, and some reminisced about 9/11 in subdued
voices: “Just think, those planes flew in right where we’re looking now.”
“Thank God they didn’t get the Capitol Building.” “I lost my brother that day.”
“I’m glad they built it. I want to go to the top some day.”
The One
World Trade Center stands at 1,776 feet—a deliberate reference to the year the
United States Declaration of Independence was signed. Colloquially named “Freedom
Tower” during initial construction, what a symbol of reaffirmed freedom for
this country it is, with presence at various levels. By the time the ship was
parallel with the Center, the party atmosphere was all but gone. As we sailed
on and the sight of the gleaming sentinel receded, never to be forgotten, even
strangers quietly linked arms and there was peace on the deck.
With the
announcement that the Statue of Liberty could be seen in a few minutes on the
other side of the ship, our grouping moved over and sure enough, there she was
in the distance. The atmosphere became celebratory again, but in a different
way. I heard: “My family came through there…they were those tired and poor…thank
God they came.” “Imagine France giving us that.” “Oh, I love her! I always get
teary seeing her.” “Those people must have been glad to see her.” “I would go
to war again for democracy.” “I hope America will always be here.” “God Bless.”
As the
ship passed the lighted, stately icon, people were emotionally moved, respectful
and thankful for what is represented by this original symbol of freedom the United States. Heading out to sea, our
grouping quietly stood until the beautiful and strong woman depicted with a
broken chain at her feet and holding a tablet inscribed with “July 4, 1776,”
disappeared in the night, never to be forgotten. Human history is endlessly
marked with events that concern freedom. Recent ones would include the
dismantling of the Berlin Wall, the official end of apartheid in South Africa,
the Tiananmen Square protests, and overt wars, many of which continue to rage
as I type. Many other localized events concern freedom, such as divorce, death,
or sending animals back into the wild after rehabilitation.
All such
events can be seen as part of the creative process at some level, but what is true freedom?
Not being victimized by climate change, health, a circumstance, someone—or
anything! The recent obituary for my remarkable sister stated: “She never let
her illness define her.” Freedom!
The
gentleman entered the almost empty hospital cafeteria, with a little boy in hand.
He tipped his cap towards me while sitting down with a tired sigh at the next
table. Noticing “Veteran” and ribbons of military decorations on his cap,” I said:
“Thank you for your service.” Oh…well…thanks, ma’am. (Quiet) This
food isn’t too bad.
“Yes, for
hospital food, it’s really quite good.”
(By now
the little boy was testing how high the water in the drinking fountain could
go, just missing the wall.)
“He’s having
fun...”
My great-grandson…He’s got lots of energy! (Quiet)
“Where did
you serve?”
Nam. Korea. (Quiet) I’ve
seen some stuff...(A long silence…) Some friends…they’ve got that PTS...what
is it?
“PTSD.”
Yup. Not good. I could have had it too, but decided
not to...too much to live for...had to leave the stuff behind… (Quiet)
“You must
be glad you found the way to do that.”
Yup.
“He’s
free!” I thought.
Well, better go see how she’s doing…came in pretty
sick...
“Thank you
again for your service, and I wish you, your family, veteran friends, and
whoever you’re visiting the very best.”
Thanks a lot, ma’am.
He tipped
his hat again, smiled, and rescued the water fountain from his great-grandson
who waved back as they headed to the elevator.
In the
inspired anthem “God Bless America,” Irving Berlin captured personal feeling
for the United States that the nation has sung for decades:
God Bless
America,
Land that
I love.
Stand
beside her, and guide her,
Through
the night with the light from above.
From the
mountains, to the prairies,
to the
oceans, white with foam,
God Bless
America,
My home
sweet home.
God Bless
America,
My home
sweet home.
On this
upcoming July 4th, this heartfelt prayer will be sung by thousands
of people at all kinds of venues. In these often troubled times, the “night”
could be seen as the almost overwhelming horrors that mankind has thrust upon
itself, from which there seems no way out. It can also be seen as a precursor
to dawn that can bring
a New Day when allegiance is given to Spirit, the “light from above.”
In Dr.
Martin Luther King’s speech at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963, he
spoke of the “fierce urgency of now” relative to issues he was addressing then,
emphasizing “Let freedom ring.” There continues to be “fierce urgency” relative
to what needs to happen in the consciousness of mankind and in every field of
endeavor throughout the world now.
We each
have a part to play in intensifying the Light. America has a unique part to
play, as does every nation. In the midst of everything going on in our world, God
blesses America and every other nation. That Spirit is always available
to “guide through the night.” Unwavering trust in that Spirit is the only way to
break the chains of human nature and let the New Day dawn in which truefreedom may indeed ring.
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