America … the land of freedom, of opportunity – where for much of the past two centuries and continuing today … peoples by the tens of thousands from lands around the globe have sought — in many cases given up whatever they had — to get to America, either by legal or illegal means, to be able to enjoy, to experience a little bit of that opportunity, the freedom to excel … which would be far more than what they could see would lay ahead in their own country.
For this guy, who was born and grew up in this country, yet with nothing near a silver spoon provided, whose mother’s family during her growing up years were virtually sharecroppers on land no more than 20 miles from where I sit today here in eastern Pennsylvania … was able to go on and have a successful and satisfying life doing what I loved — bringing a little bit of joy and brightness to others through the programming I had the opportunity to create and deliver through radio broadcasting.
My success came — like millions of others across all fields of endeavor — because, somehow, I, on more than one occasion, was able to see an opportunity which others did not and go after it!
While I did not start to make this at all about me, what I find ironic is that there are persons who today want to tear down, destroy what their ancestors worked so hard to create, to build — then, in too many cases, even gave their lives to preserve — what we are privileged to have here in these United States!
But, I have faith that somehow we will be able to hold on, to persevere, and that, as John Williams wrote … the dream will live on for those who still seek it!
On this Independence Day as we celebrate the birthday of the United States of America …there’s little required of us on this most patriotic day of the year, except:
- Fly the flag
- Salute & honor it, and
- Be thankful for the blessings and freedoms we so enjoy here!
The Stars & Stripes … long may they wave!
When this flag ceases to fly on buildings and poles across the land … the United States of America will no longer exist, nor will the freedoms we so enjoy and treasure … but give little thought to daily. That’s why we must never forget all that we are so fortunate to have!
