Labor Day weekend, 2020, is really very different this year. There are so many activities that have been cancelled or changed due to the COVID-19 virus. At least, the rain has held off so that I could mow the lawn, re-seed areas around the water main break where I have a massive area needing to grow back grass, and could water the back and front yard areas. Students began returning to school with a blended plan on September 1st, but the school administrators told them not to attend the county fair in town if they cherished their health and their educations. Mass gatherings are not appropriate during the pandemic. As a senior citizen, I have diligently tried to follow all the health protocol rules during this time, but I still can’t believe that so many people think this crisis is a hoax. What you do for yourself and your family you do for others. I firmly believe that the people who are so upset with the rules just don’t care about anyone but themselves.
What I remember on this holiday, however, is the fact that America was built by the hard labors of many diverse peoples. Although there are rich people who say America was built by the almighty dollar and by themselves, the opposite is true. Without the persecution they witnessed in Europe, the Pilgrims wouldn’t have come here. Without the Revolutionary War, we wouldn’t be a nation at all. Without the sheer intelligent determination of our Founding Fathers, we wouldn’t have the freedoms so many of us take for-granted. Without the strength of abolitionists and the integrity of Abraham Lincoln, people of color would still be slaves on plantations run by cruel and corrupt masters. Without the faith and courage of immigrants wanting to find their own piece of land in the west and the invention of the Conestoga wagon to move their belongings, states like Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, and North Dakota would be parts of other nations. Without the intrepid gold miners, we wouldn’t need so many different banks around the country because California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska wouldn’t be American states. Without the Industrial Revolution, our cities would not be as developed, our communication and transportation routes would still be covered by the Pony Express riding dirt roads, and we’d still be riding horses to and from our work. Without the sacrifices of so many men and women during World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, we might be ruled by Communist tyrants or worse. Without the sacrifices of so many young men and women after 9/11, we might now be under the rule of middle-east dictators.
Despite all of these descriptions, America thrives on hope and love, not fear and hatred. Our nation was built on democratic principles, but even those are being challenged today. We were also built on Christian values to love one another and to take care of each other. I do not hear a singing nation any more but an arguing one. We must stop arguing to continue to move forward for a bright future for our children. The needs of the many are what encouraged our ancestors to move forward towards one nation under God. Even as I write this blog, the little man in the White House would like nothing more than to be a despot, where everyone bows down to him. The last time I checked, he is not God.
Waiting patiently to be president in these troubled times is a good, kind, and caring man who loves America, loves its people, and loves his family. The job will be extremely taxing, but I believe that he will try, to the best of his ability, to re-unite us as a nation. I believe he will lead us back to the America I was proud to be born in and that I pray will return to after the next election in November. America was born on the backs of immigrants and shall rise again to the greatness it was before the little man existed in Our house. That greatness is in our hearts and minds; it was born in the greatness of our ancestors who came before us, saying, “I want to be free and I’m willing to die for that freedom, not just for me but for all of us.” The rights of every man, woman, and child are at stake in the next election. I am proud to say, “I’m an American because we, the people, built this land, with the help of the Almighty God. Let no man turn us under or deny anyone of us the rights we deserve. May God shine His face on each of us and give us peace!”
Anna Hartt
