For Love of Freedom - a 4th of July Retrospective
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Rick Oleszczuk
Jul 11, 2013, 11:15:29 AM7/11/13
to hamptons...@googlegroups.com
Well friends, that was quite the long weekend. Or for some of you, a full week vacation. To start, we successfully made it through with a full survival rate, not a single casualty. But beyond that, by all accounts, it was an admirable performance from the group. We fought our way through the crowds, and at various points during the weekend managed to hit the 5-way cycle of Ruschmeyer's, Talkhouse, Tuna, Cyril's and Memory (Surf Lodge we're coming for you!).
The house family became acquainted with a couple new friends, including my dearly beloved brother. People came and went, but everyone received a warm welcome. Well, perhaps with the exception of our dear neighbor Stuart, but that's something to worry about another time, no unhappy thoughts today.
Only happy thoughts are allowed, because this past weekend was the 237th anniversary of our nation's birth. Consider that- 237 years, nearly 10 generations since our founding fathers had the temerity to push back against the tyrannical whims of the English monarchy. For more than two centuries we have survived, and thrived, on American skill, ingenuity, and determination.
There have been many great men in our history, but I present for consideration one who was truly extraordinary- George Washington. By now you may have heard from me the story about him leading a depleted continental army across the Delaware River, in the middle of a winter blizzard, with little in the way of shoes or clothing. They struck a surprise blow against the Hessian army, who didn't bother to post guards cause they thought no one would be crazy enough to attack in the driving snowstorm, and turned the tide of the war. It turns out that the Hessians and British miscalculated- the Revolutionary Army, led by General Washington, was crazy enough to do just about anything in pursuit of our right to freedom, liberty, and self-determination. The secret passcode to share any information regarding that mission? Victory or Death. As with when Patrick Henry thundered to the Virginia Convention, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
Not only did Washington have the unquestionable courage of a hardened warrior, he also had the charisma of a natural born leader, the vision to understand that America in its nascent stages needed to steer clear of foreign entanglements, and an uncanny ability to navigate and balance opposing viewpoints among his friends. Just as importantly, he had the humility to step down from the Presidency after two terms, thereby forging the precedent for more than two centuries of peaceful transitions within a democratic government. Once again, truly an extraordinary man.
But it is necessary to acknowledge that the country of America and the concept of freedom are not intended solely for the extraordinary among us. Each one of us ordinary, everyday Americans has earned the same rights and responsibilities. I am reminded of Joe the Plumber from the 08 election - a symbol of everyone in America, with a bit of a belly, plugging away day after day at a job that may seem unexceptional to some but is essential for those in his community. This is the ordinary face of America, just as important to our country and equally as deserving of recognition.
So, I'll cut myself off there before people start tearing their hair out. But thanks to all of you for doing your countrymen -- past, present, and future, both extraordinary and ordinary --- proud this past 4th of July weekend, by exercising and celebrating the freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that we all enjoy. I hope to see you out there again this weekend or sometime soon.
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth" -- Abraham Lincoln
God Bless America,
Rick
The house family became acquainted with a couple new friends, including my dearly beloved brother. People came and went, but everyone received a warm welcome. Well, perhaps with the exception of our dear neighbor Stuart, but that's something to worry about another time, no unhappy thoughts today.
Only happy thoughts are allowed, because this past weekend was the 237th anniversary of our nation's birth. Consider that- 237 years, nearly 10 generations since our founding fathers had the temerity to push back against the tyrannical whims of the English monarchy. For more than two centuries we have survived, and thrived, on American skill, ingenuity, and determination.
There have been many great men in our history, but I present for consideration one who was truly extraordinary- George Washington. By now you may have heard from me the story about him leading a depleted continental army across the Delaware River, in the middle of a winter blizzard, with little in the way of shoes or clothing. They struck a surprise blow against the Hessian army, who didn't bother to post guards cause they thought no one would be crazy enough to attack in the driving snowstorm, and turned the tide of the war. It turns out that the Hessians and British miscalculated- the Revolutionary Army, led by General Washington, was crazy enough to do just about anything in pursuit of our right to freedom, liberty, and self-determination. The secret passcode to share any information regarding that mission? Victory or Death. As with when Patrick Henry thundered to the Virginia Convention, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
Not only did Washington have the unquestionable courage of a hardened warrior, he also had the charisma of a natural born leader, the vision to understand that America in its nascent stages needed to steer clear of foreign entanglements, and an uncanny ability to navigate and balance opposing viewpoints among his friends. Just as importantly, he had the humility to step down from the Presidency after two terms, thereby forging the precedent for more than two centuries of peaceful transitions within a democratic government. Once again, truly an extraordinary man.
But it is necessary to acknowledge that the country of America and the concept of freedom are not intended solely for the extraordinary among us. Each one of us ordinary, everyday Americans has earned the same rights and responsibilities. I am reminded of Joe the Plumber from the 08 election - a symbol of everyone in America, with a bit of a belly, plugging away day after day at a job that may seem unexceptional to some but is essential for those in his community. This is the ordinary face of America, just as important to our country and equally as deserving of recognition.
So, I'll cut myself off there before people start tearing their hair out. But thanks to all of you for doing your countrymen -- past, present, and future, both extraordinary and ordinary --- proud this past 4th of July weekend, by exercising and celebrating the freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that we all enjoy. I hope to see you out there again this weekend or sometime soon.
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth" -- Abraham Lincoln
God Bless America,
Rick
Rick Oleszczuk
Jul 11, 2013, 11:34:54 AM7/11/13
to hamptons...@googlegroups.com
PS, I was asked for a recap email, and I realize this doesn't exactly fit the narrow definition of a recap, but it's the best I got. Happy Thursday!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Rick Oleszczuk
Jul 12, 2013, 12:05:12 AM7/12/13
to hamptons...@googlegroups.com
So separate topic - roll call on who is actually coming this weekend? Shoot me a message. Seems like occupancy might be fairly light this weekend. So if anyone is interested you are welcome to head #outeast.
Rick
Sent from my iPhone
Rick
Sent from my iPhone
Hughes, Thomas J
Jul 12, 2013, 12:07:57 AM7/12/13
to Rick Oleszczuk, hamptons...@googlegroups.com
was planning to, but I've got meetings on mon & tues that popped up, so not looking great. might try to make it out on lux line late night tmrw
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Margaret Tato
Jul 12, 2013, 12:38:03 AM7/12/13
to Hughes, Thomas J, Rick Oleszczuk, hamptons...@googlegroups.com
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Shea Doyle
Jul 12, 2013, 5:08:50 PM7/12/13
to Margaret Tato, Hughes, Thomas J, Rick Oleszczuk, hamptons...@googlegroups.com
I was trying to come out this weekend but not sure yet...will keep you posted!
Shea Doyle
SEATTLE HALF MARATHON 6/22/2013
Ashley Woerner
Jul 12, 2013, 7:31:48 PM7/12/13
to Shea Doyle, Margaret Tato, Hughes, Thomas J, Rick Oleszczuk, hamptons...@googlegroups.com
Apparently I'm working all weekend wah wah
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Sent from my iPhone
Hughes, Thomas J
Jul 12, 2013, 7:34:50 PM7/12/13
to Ashley Woerner, Shea Doyle, Margaret Tato, Rick Oleszczuk, hamptons...@googlegroups.com
trying to bank hard enough to keep 10 pm jitney in my sights
Rick Oleszczuk
Jul 12, 2013, 8:28:27 PM7/12/13
to Hughes, Thomas J, Ashley Woerner, Shea Doyle, Margaret Tato, hamptons...@googlegroups.com
#heartofachampion
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