Every four years, on January 20th, we have a national celebration that culminates with our President, starting either a brand new administration or continuing four more years of direction. In the United Kingdom, for example, they have a coronation of their monarch, but only get to observe the process, in most cases, once in a generation. Queen Elizabeth has been on the throne for sixty years. We have an opportunity to enjoy ours, so many times and this should be a chance for all Americans to watch and enjoy the democratic process and traditions.
I first watched on January 20, 1961. The principle at Hempfield Elementary School in Greenville, Pennsylvania, brought his television into the school and placed it on the stage in the gymnasium. I may have been one of the few third graders or even any child that was completely enraptured by the events of that day. John Kennedy was being sworn in as President, replacing Dwight Eisenhower. The television screen was not the gigantic projection screens we have today, but fortunately I sat near enough to the front, to get a good view of the black and white images on the tube. The President and most of the men on the platform, that day, wore top hats. I could not hear the sound very well, and would not have understood the words, anyway. That did not bother me as I was thrilled to be able to see the celebration. Over the years I have heard the words of President Kennedy and have been inspired to a greater love of the political process and America.
Kennedy's speech is more likely to be remembered for his, "Ask not what your country can to for you, ask what you can do for your country." However I have been more struck by this part of his speech. "Let every nation know...that we shall pay any price; bear any burden; meet any hardship; support any friend; oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty." This message was not only for Americans, but for people and leaders around the world. It signaled that though the torch had been passed to a new generation, we would continue our pursuit of freedom.
Many years have passed since then and I have attempted to watch as many of the inaugurations since. Today I have to go into work at three o'clock, but now we have various recording devices at our disposal and there is no reason to miss anything. The swearing in, even though it is a repeat from yesterday. The speech. The parade. There are traditions that have been in place for two hundred plus years an I want top see it all. Watch it and share it with a someone from the younger generation.We all should want to see it. Whether you voted for our President or not, you should want to participate in the process. It is a fulfillment of our Constitutional process and laws. It is inspiring. It is uplifting. It is American.
I want to end today's writing with a quote from another inaugural address. President Abraham Lincoln said in his second address on March 4, 1865, the following, "With malice toward none, with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nations wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle; and for his widow and his orphan- to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." Let us all work to follow Lincoln's words and strive, to make better and finish, the American dream for all.
