Everett Taylor: Taylor's Yarns

Patriotism is not a seasonal thing but it gets more attention in July than any other month because of the Fourth of July celebration of the nation’s birth and continuing independence.

That holiday is an occasion for festive events, patriotic speeches and activities frequently climaxed by spectacular fireworks displays.

Most Americans get a stirring sense of national pride when they see the United States flag unfurled with a band playing the National Anthem or other patriotic type numbers, and usually they have a pretty good idea of what patriotism is even though they might have difficulty giving a precise definition.

They realize their great fortune being citizens of the United States, and are grateful for those who visualized and helped create this great nation, and to all who fought and died for its original independence, and in all wars and conflicts since to preserve it.

Among the ways people show their patriotism might be through their interest in learning about and visiting historic places associated with the country’s founding and its survival in challenging periods.

A visit to some of these places is certain to confirm patriotism is truly alive and well in America, judging by the size of crowds that flock to these sites, even with high gasoline prices.

One of the most impressive in our personal view is Mount Vernon in Virginia, the home of George Washington, the Father of our Country and first president. On a warm day a couple of weeks ago, the site was flooded with visitors who stood patiently in a long line awaiting their turn to look inside the great man’s home.

Passing by the dining room, a guide explained that frequent dinner guests were Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and other citizens of that day who were involved in the Revolution and the formation of this unique republic.

Visitors can imagine the discussions and debate that took place among those remarkable leaders as a new nation was born and nourished for its journey to greatness largely through their efforts and guidance as outlined in the Constitution.

One also can visualize George Washington as a contented citizen relaxing and gazing at the magnificent scene from the back porch of his Mount Vernon home during those early years when it was a secluded location not inundated by tour buses and all other types of vehicles.

As commander of the victorious American Revolution forces and the first U.S. President, historians say Washington could have served in the top office the rest of his life. Instead, he set the precedent of limiting the office to two terms.

Another historic spot where patriotism obviously permeates is Arlington National Cemetery, also a setting teeming with visitors daily. Thousands of people make a reverent trip daily through the vast expanse of precisely aligned headstones and markers on the graves of men and women ranging in worldly status from famous to unknown. Many were military heroes resting alongside former presidents and other national leaders.

Making a trip through this location is obviously a patriotic experience.

Another stop on the recent vacation also stimulates the emotions. Gettysburg, Pa., is the place where the Civil War battle took place that turned the tide of that tragic conflict.

The town of Gettysburg, while not trying to discourage modern economic development, is on a mission to restore the location as closely as possible to conditions as they were when the battle took place. A great deal of progress has been made, although it is an objective that might not ever be totally realized.

Still, it is easy, with the assistance of a well-informed guide, to envision the North and South troop movements and maneuvers, and the action in a three-day showdown that led to a defeat of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s forces, blocking them from moving on to take the capital at Washington, D.C. only a few miles away.

Gettysburg has numerous re-enactments of the battle, and on any given day Boy Scout troops or others may be seen in Civil War regalia doing their own version of some of the action.

One group we saw moving out looked pretty authentic, with those apparently in command staying at the rear “headquarters.”

But the modern day headquarters officers didn’t carry out the reality theme in their communication by using riders to send and receive messages. They kept in touch with cell phones.

Everett Taylor
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