My grandfather taught me to name all the presidents of the United States in order. While that may sound impressive, I’ve never found much use for it. Until recently. Nine family members gathered around the dining room table to play a board game. The category on the card “First ten U.S. presidents.” I smiled to myself when my son-in-law called out Fillmore. I knew he was number eleven.
I love American history as did my dad. His favorite songs were patriotic, and I love songs about America, too. My husband knows that. “Wanna go hear John Denver for the 4th of July?” Had he not heard the news like for the last decade? My reply might have sounded a little less than enthusiastic. I mean how good do you think a guy who’s been dead for thirteen years is gonna sound?
But off we went to the Verizon Amphitheater with a few friends — picnic compliments of the Colonel. Only the guy forgot to include plates and plasticware with our order of chicken. It ended up being more of a tailgating party than I expected — eating from the top of the bucket turned upside down, scooping the food using the plastic lids from the side dishes, and two Frisbees we found in the truck. Keeping with the theme, one was blue and other was red.
A crowd of patriots gathered for the salute to John Denver. Although the Statue of Liberty group looked slightly deviant, they generously presented me with a crown of my own. They should have told me not to wear it under my chin. When I modeled for my husband, he had the nerve to say, “The Statue of Liberty doesn’t wear sunglasses.”
“No, duh,” I answered back, “she’s from New York. If she’d been in California, she’d be wearing sunglasses.”
On the way home, Linda quoted the whole Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. By the time she finished, the only thing I could be certain of was that the poem was about as long as Paul’s ride. I proudly spouted the poem I remembered from my youth —
Don’t worry if your job is small
And your rewards are few.
Remember that the mighty oak
Was once a nut, like you.
Weigh that with the fact that I can name all the presidents in order, and I’m still doing okay.
White, Asian, black, young, old, sane and those somewhat questionable (come on, look at the costumes) came together to listen to inspiring music. Tonight we were unified as Americans.
Happy birthday, America.
BTW, John Denver sounded great considering his condition.
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Remind me never to play Trivial Pursuit with you!! Happy 4th! Love the new site.
Hey, I also recited Maud Muller and Invictus.
Yes, you did. And very well I might add.
Your absolutely right…..if the Lady was in California she would be wearing sunglasses. And the crown under the chin…..I’m going to try that look, should hide my three chins.
Hadn’t realized that, but it worked for me — notice no double chin!