Whisper from the Past

I found this newspaper article in my files. Though I wrote it in 2015, it seems more appropriate than ever in 2020.

It happened--one of those magical moments from the past. I was attending an event filled with grassroots, country people--a farm implement show including old-fashioned skills such as weaving and spinning and other crafts. People wore comfortable Saturday clothes; farmers showed up in overalls.

The magical moment--suspended in time--came at the beginning of the parade on the grounds. For a few moments the crowd hushed as the announcer called our attention to the American flag. Everyone stood at attention while a man sang our national anthem. Afterward we even pledged allegiance to the flag, something I haven't seen in a very long time.

During those magical, hushed moments, a solemn stillness came over the crowd. A Boy Scout saluted the flag. Likewise, a former soldier, now old, gave a military salute the entire time our national anthem was sung. People stood with hands over hearts, the way we were taught in grade school--and were unashamed to be seen doing it.

What was the sacred moment I experienced? It was a whisper from the past, a reminder of the days when I was a child, growing up in a country where we felt safe, honored God and knew the uniqueness of our nation, a melting pot of people united in purpose. Where common sense ruled, and we called a spade a spade, not "a culturally diverse instrument used for whatever you wish as long as you don't offend anyone with your ideas."

Ah, blessed sanity. For those brief moments I glimpsed the fact that despite those screaming for their rights, our country has been composed of many sensible people who quietly live their lives, shaking their heads at the outlandish media parade of the weird among us.

Long live common people. They have kept Uncle Sam's feet on the ground for a long time.

How about you? Have you experienced any magical moments like the one above? Feel free to respectfully comment below.