We left our car parked along a side street somewhere in Virginia and walked, I think, over the bridge to visit hoards of food, craft, and trinket vendors who were hawking their wares along the Reflecting Pool. I must admit I never noticed if it was clean or dirty, but I remember the reflection of the Washington Monument was perfectly centered in the enormous pond.
As the sun prepared to set that day, there was music. Perhaps it was a band, but maybe it was piped over loudspeakers. The nation was, at that moment, in a peaceful state of affairs after the decade of Vietnam and the Watergate Scandal. While the economy was struggling and there were few jobs to be had, I think we were optimistic. (Perhaps that was young love?) We watched the fireworks at Lincoln's feet filled and walked home.
I wish I wanted to go back and visit for the semi-quincentennial.
9 comments:
I feel the nostalgia and maybe even anger in the post. Things are not the same in Washington, and your words capture that reality without directly saying it. Clever writing.
You say so much without saying much. I can only imagine what our founding fathers would think of the state of affairs today. Arjeh
This is such a great way to let the reader know that you (and many others) are unhappy with the state of our country. I am sad (angry) that this momentous date is happening under our current leadership.
Anita, thanks for this humorous, nostalgic and earnest perspective. I hope we'll be back on an upswing as a country soon.
Your first sentence is a gem. Your last sentence is the gem of all gems. I understand, and what a drastic turn of the tide pool....
That was the year I graduated from high school in Philadelphia. I remember such pride and excitement. Unfortunately, the life is being sucked out of the 250th celebration.
Rita DiCarne
Anita, I enjoyed reading about your positive experience during the 200th celebration. Watching the fireworks at Lincoln's feet must have made the experience all that more impactful. One of my favorite parts of your slice was when you said your experience may have seemed even better than it was because you were looking through the eyes of young love. That made me smile.
I love: I am aged to perfection! I'm going to borrow that phrase. I know with all that is happening in the world it's hard to feel celebratory about 250 years - but I'm trying to reframe it for myself - this is still a wonderful country even with its flaws.
Post a Comment