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Sitting in my favorite chair and staring through the window at the world outside and wondering how so much of our world has changed . . . Our old America as a whole believed in God; we prayed to Him in times of need when someone we loved was sick or hurt or dying. We prayed for our soldiers, airmen, seamen and Marines. We prayed to Almighty God to intervene in their battles and in their despair and in their healing. We held our beautiful flag as a mighty symbol of our nation; its icon to the world with its bright red, white and blue and when anyone desecrated it, we were all mad as heck. We loved our flag.

We loved to see little girls and boys waving their colorful fabric gem at the top of a stick when parades walked/rode by them. They were “in it” because their daddy and mama taught them at home that it was special, our U. S. Flag was a big deal. It was a time of overall peace and harmony throughout our nation and for the most part folks got along, helped each other, worked side by side. The only ones who were arrogant or prejudiced were miserable people to start with . . . they couldn’t say a kind word or find acceptance in their heart for almost anything, it seems to me, in an attempt to unsuccessfully edify themselves.

Soldiers fought and died defending all in defense of freedom against tyranny and communism. We loved each other in the foxholes, the jungles and in the rocks and caves. We encircled each other through school to console, help and support each other when the team lost a game – it was okay, “We’ll get ’em next time!” Our law enforcement was shown great respect; they were who we’d call on if we were fearful about something or someone, felt threatened or needed help because they were always there for us 24/7. We mourned when one of the men or women in blue were hurt or died serving our nation, much like our military. We knew they weren’t perfect, they never have been and nor have we, but they were and are brave, seeded in good will, care and love for the decency they see in people and they admonish the bad. Having dealt with accident victims, domestic violence investigations and murder is something a cop has to have the stomach for, the guts and the stamina to deal with countless every day heartaches. We used to hold our policemen in such high regard . . . remembering 9/11, dear Lord what would we have done without them?

It is during those events that made others want to strive harder to protect who and what we are. We wanted for others to be a part of the beautiful American Dream, raising families in a peaceful place, safe, far from oppression, far from deadly prejudice. We looked upon our churches with pride and affection, the structures that heard within its walls the deepest of secrets, the prayers for forgiveness, the lifting up of those we know and love and even strangers who were struggling. The houses of worship were respected, they were the Holy places where one could hear testimonies of healing and help and the goodness of others and whole communities when folks suffered loss . . .

What is going on today – not everywhere, but in way too many states, cities and towns is ludicrous – and why is it happening? At what point do we say “enough is enough” and stand up against negative, rude, obnoxious attitudes and actions? If we do not stand up for the right things and against the bad, it will be too late.

It is a necessity that each of us vote and its totally up to each of us who we vote for, but I can tell you this my friends, we need to open our minds and hearts to the truth and better discern the information we do absorb. For goodness sake, get the facts. I am not telling anyone how to vote or who to vote for, I am simply asking that we all use our common sense to consider what we would be voting for.

Doomsday attitude? No – not me! I have been through and come out of too much in my life to be a naysayer, however, I do think we’re on a slippery slope with bare feet and we had better reach out and grab something stable. Fear consumes people and contributes to irrational decisions; being gullible does too.

Questions to ponder . . .

Would we really want no cops but rather a homemade enforcers of the law? What about the assistance police provide to control traffic for firemen and EMS during emergencies? What if our economy had not built up substantially over the last few years when the virus hit? What if our markets were still struggling and not rebounding prior to the COVID shutdown? Do we want to be obliging or dependent to other countries or nations for our most necessary commodities? Don’t we want to stand on our own as we always have and not bow down?

I can only hope that we will always see our American flags flying; that we always see churches of all religions standing intact with doors open to everyone; that we never see our precious Constitution shredded and that we do see the rejuvenation of our true America shine as it did during WWII when everyone pitched in together in support of our nation and intended victory. Loving God and allowing each other to believe in their faith, different from ours or not; supporting our traditions being excited at our parades, honoring our law enforcement officers; supporting fully and wholeheartedly our military and just looking for and acknowledging the goodness in others – all colors, religions, creeds, nationalities as “one nation under God” . . . I can only imagine . . . can you?

If you know a veteran who needs help or a friend, please let me know. Call my cell at 252-202-2058 or email me at giglineheroes@aol.com or contact our Dare County Veteran Service Officer Patty O’Sullivan 252-475-5604 or email her at dcvac@darenc.com. We love our veterans!

Until next time, I love you all! Be healthy, safe and happy and please wear your mask . . . six feet away from each other is far better than six feet under. Stay tuned.

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