OCR Text |
Show Q'pinion iaae i Toll Me aj it- - &' September 21, 2001 The Summit County Bee Page A2 jhfe $ About It THe Mew From Here by Leon Slmlster Ghastly! Shocking! Inconipa'licnsiblir to us Americans. I'm sure. Rut. a reality of the mtisl horrible kind imaginable is now part of our lives. We've always known, and been extremely fearful of the word "terrorism." Now we are able to fully comprehend its hideous concept. Whats our reaction? The same as it has 4 i always been when American courage has been forced into confronting seemingly impossible odds. We work! We dig in and we gel the job done! (ircat tragedies are not foreign to America. History ictnids many for us. perhaps not quite as horrendous as this specific act of blatant cowardice. Our patriot forefathers faced terrible odds during the Revolutionary War; al lexington. Concord. Bunker's Hill, the wintry crossing of the Delaware, etc. (Fact, however: There were more lives lost last week in New York than were lost during the entire Revolutionary War). Later, sadly, another tragedy happened on American soil, wherein Americans fought each other, bled and died. We called it a Civil War. Odds weren't good, either, al Havana Harbor, "over there" in WWI. Viet Nam. nor the Pearl Harbor attack which spawned WWII. when the radio blared that horOnly 12 years-ol- d rible news. I still vividly recall (he shock, disbelief and raw tear w liich overcame me as a child. But, in retrospect. I also clearly recall thinking, (while also aware of this icinarkahle truth), that . . somebody up there likes us. . ." There are many, like me, who have always carried within ourselves this . . . accepted .. . avoid of , I guess you'd say - a very real and very strong belief in Divine Intervention. Take Pearl Harbor, for example: If the Japanese fleet had immediately steamed towards California and attacked us while they had the advantage we would all be speaking Japanese now. Well, they didn't, because for some unexplainable reason they d how terribly they had damseriously It America's took us awhile back then, aged might. hut this nation quickly rolled up her sleeves (same as they're now doing in New York, and in Washington, D.C'.). We collectively took a deep breath, and seriously went about our business of becoming a winner. Bottom line - yeah! I firmly believe that somebody up there likes us'. . . still. Maybe our history of being unbeatable is because we Americans seem to have that overpowering inner something that makes us impossible to beat, to lose, to keep dow n. While there are those who say il'a the spirit ot freedom that is our strength, thete are those who say it is also our weakness. In allowing others who come to the shores of America to abuse that freedom - as these terrorists have it will, some say, inevitably be the thing that will lead to our undoing. Well, Horsegoohers. Sure, some of us criticize, pick under-estimate- and peck at our leaders - our politicians - for their sins and imperfections (and, I admit. I'm very fbr that) but then that's one of our freedoms, too. There's a certain logic to the concept that without the 'freedom of the press' factor constantly looming over their heads, politicians could end up totally uncontrollable. So, they get used to it. and are. therefore. perhaps forced into frequently walking the fine line of credibility. But, when horrific events like this current monolith arise, then they start acting like leaders should. Their decision-makin- g abilities kick d to the nth degree, and they meticulousin, ly choose crucial, educated decisions which rapidly and surely lead us across home plate. We've all noticed. I'm sure, the sheer, raw effort and pure, resolved courage unmistakably etched on the faces of virtually all us Americans; in the faces of rescue workers, law personnel, news reporters, officials in charge and especially on those faces of grief- stricken relatives, friends and survivors of this awful terroristic onslaught. These are American trade-marused by all who faithfully persevere. It has to be that way. History bears out this fact: The gale of this entire world swings on the hinges of freedom. And it's a particular kind found only in the United States of America. This may very well be the legacy of the America we know and are proud of. Those of this world (some very reluctant to do so) have to admit this. Like it or not, pleasant or painful as it has always been - and will always be. It's just the way it is. As goes America, so, also, goes the world. If we prosper, the world does, too. And, if we go down, then . . . well, we dont want to even think about that. The exemplary, binding togetherness in the recent NATO declaration testifies to that, wherein they state, "If you attack one of us, you attack us all. And it should provide stem warning enough to those who would terrorize, that there is going to be Hell to pay for their recent folly. Yes, as many of the news reporters have said. "This has changed America. Well, it certainly has changed at least the skyline view of Manhattan Island. But, this is still America, and the total view of our America - at least in my prospective - is still not too bad. In the meantime, we heal. Slowly -- but, of a certainty - we surely heal to reinforce that gallant camaraderie of an incomparable force known as "Americanism. Together, we work, and realize that the solidarity of our combined talent and firm resolve is a strength found nowhere else on earth. Watch it. Better still, participate in it . . . and marvel at its strength. There's no question on the outcome. We'll attain our goals. We'll also unerringly identify and great will be their punishment. high-profi- le fine-tune- ibosK:-responsibl- Thought for the day: "You can run, but you cant hide. Cassius Gay (during his invincible peak) to his boxing opponents. Paim's PIace A return to normal" is what most Americans are hoping for, after the recent tragedy that has hit our soil. i But, the interesting questions here are what is normal and Van wc ever truly attain such status again? As I was driving to work Wednesday morning. I was listening to the radio and heard comments relating to this issue. The DJ on the air said that coming to work at a job he loved was something he had always li Hiked forward to, until now. He went on to state that it took everything he had to force himself to go to work now as his heart just was not "in it anymore He said that giv ing away money for contests they were sponsoring didn't bring any satisfaction any- ftw more. On the flip side, a caller commented that he felt a return to normal" was actually taking place as parents were spending more time with their children, people were attending church services, values were changing and more patriotism was being exhibited. Or. in other words people were changing for the better and taking time to put others above themselves. Along with so many others, I have personally been touched very deeply by the events that have been taking place. A horrible, evil thing has struck our nation and although the American public is doing their best to show they aren't has definitely changed! I have always talked about the pride I feel at being an American and showing respect for the flag, many times making people mad at me because I have asked them to remove lhair hats, to slop talking afraid-somcthi- ng and to place their hands over their hearts as the flag is passing by at parades, rodeos or other functions. However, I don't believe I had the deep pride that I am feeling right now. The show of solidarity which has surfaced across America is amazing to me, and I am sad to think it took something like this to make us have a reality check. Those who know me, know that I am a boob who can cry easily. The past week I have seen tears in the eyes of everyone around me including some people who tty to hold back their emotions. I have seen a photo via the internet that shows an eagle with tears. I have been touched to see the many flag displays that have been placed around the county and throughout America. Especially, with the one placed at the ground zero zone that several fire fighters placed to remind them and others of their pride and dignity despite having to take part in something so devastating there are no words to explain it. Homes, yards, fences, barns, mailboxes, planters all bearing the flag of the greatest country in the world were on display last week. I only feel bad that more flags aren't being left up. I will keep mine up for a long time because it gives me hope and some feeling of security in our mixed up world. Arriving at the football homecoming game last week, I walked to one of the two end zones where flags were lined up. With them waving in the breeze, children hap- pily playing, adults talking and socializing, I felt a sense of peace and "normalcy I had not felt for several days. Thanks to those who placed the flags there. Music has always along with the more familiar ones. At no time can I remember so many people singing proudly the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful and God Blest America. After viewing the horrible scenes it was nice to watch several wonderful remembrance programs. I was veiy touched by those in other countries who cried along with us over our loss, and those whose country leaders have pledged their support to us. In short I Am Proud To Be An American!! The one phrase I have heard more and more is die line In God We Trust. I wonder? If right now might not be the time to push harder for better quality shows and movies to view, and get rid of the violence our children are subjected to. We have all been witnesses to what evil and violence leads to. Perhaps, without knowing it. we too are leading our youth in the wrong direction. Also, maybe now is the time to push to get prayer back in our schools and public tion. You realize its ok to come in second or even last, as long as Thanks For A Special Game your best efforts were given. Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to express my There is no place right now fbr pettiness, we should be kind and respectful to everyone, because you never knew what tomorrow will bring and this scares me die heartfelt thanks and appreciation involving homecoming Friday night at North Summit. I, like everyone else, have most been glued to the news media following the tragedy in New York and Washington D.C. I have felt heartsick over what we have all I am not saying anything that I have not said already to Coach Holmes and others but last year when my nephew played football as a Senior, he didn't get very much playing time in, but what he learned on the sidelines and in witnessed and experienced. Friday, I watched the Prayer Services across the country, people in my workplace would stop, watch and cry. When I heard the song, "God Bless America, I thought I could never be prouder of my country, nation and people. Until I went to the football game Friday night. As I sat down in the stands and started talking with a friend, I didn't notice what had been done to the field. When the team came onto the field and I turned around to watch, my breath was taken away and I had goose bumps. I noticed first the flags, then the new paint and how well the field was groomed and then back to the American Flags. The announcement was made for the National HAatham a beoi. dUhsaurta-Mitth?3iFaandi- the locker room and just the example set for him by Coach . Holmes and his staff made up for the playing time and more. Be thankful we live where we do and have the examples we have working in the school and community with our kids. There has been a resuscitation gang on in the school the last few years, the kids needed this and we need it as a community. Again, I am probably the last one who should be writing this, but I hope from all of this I can learn to be a better person, put things into perspective and be 1 have and thankful for what ng Irelha Mikesell A Special Thanks sented and looked again at the field and the flags in a semi circle at both end zones. I felt the moment of silence, and admired the players for their reverence for the flag until it left the field and then the traditional N.S. Brave with the spear. AH week I have been proud and honored to be an American and thought it couldn't get any better than this. Editor: Eight years ago our family moved to the Kamas Valley. Upon registration at the high school, we met with Mrs. Deanna Page to enroll our oldest daughter. Heather. We inquired about the drama program at the school, in which Heather had an interest Mrs. Page said it was was never so just beginning to take hold, but wrong and never prouder to be a she felt very confident to recomcitizen of this country, belong to mend the school choral program, this community and have leaders under the direction of Mrs. and school officials put so much Paulette Silvester. Though work in bringing it all together Heather was reticent, she agreed that night. PrincipalCoach to give it a try. That was one of Holmes-- I want to thank you and the best decisions we've ever your staff for the hard work put in made, and thus began our "love the field, for the flags to remind affair with Tapestry. I us who we are, for the extra time and consideration given to this tragedy. I know some fans were upset over the outcome of the game, and this helped me put things more into perspective. I dont always agree with everything and everybody. I am too out spoken and voice my opinion probably more than I should. I am a reactor and not a thinker, but when a tragedy of this caliber strikes, you find yourself doing self evalua Over the past eight years, five of our six children have had die ipcredible privilege of being under the tutelage of Mrs. Silvester. They have been taught how to use their voices properly and truly "sing! They have been taught theory, diction, and the "breathing process, ly as as effective- if they had had private instruction. The results have not countless others in the valley who have enjoyed the gift of music, through "Tapestry, over the years. We love and miss you, Kevin & Pam Page and (amity (and many, many more) Thanks To Special TeacherLeader Editor: I would like to write to The Summit County Bee to express my appreciation for a person who, and I am not alone in tying this, hasbcmdM mflMWMrjy i turuingNerth is High School around. This Mr. Jerte Holmes. Mr. Holmes made me a Brave. I don't participate in sports. In fact, I used to dislike our high school sports. As a freshman, I had no school i ; spirit whatsoever. But, Mr.' Holmes reached out tome and showed me that with brittle! enthusiasm and determination, you can do anything. He has proved this method by making our Varsity Football Team one of the teams in 2A football, and I join top-rank- ed others in saying that he Converted me. My tremendous school spirit now, as as Senior, is not due to being a senior, or to my office at the school, but due in whole to the example Mr. Holmes has set forme. The student body as s,whole has taken on a new perspective on how to be a true Brave with spirit. Our high school now shines with confidence. Mr. Holmes has played a key role in this change. The change is unmistakable. I know, because Fm here. Thank you, Mr. Holmes, for making me realize what it means to become a true Brave. ' . - Sincerely, Gavin Wilde . Staff m Summit County, Senior Citixn Duconm. $13 in county; $27 by Wuue PubSshbig Jhc., 165 South, 100 Wot, HeberGty, UT 84032. Ptriodicali Pbrne . Piid at Coalville, UT 64017. FOSTMAS-- 1 tk: Send adtbcK chattel to The Surrwntt Comty Bee. PO. Box 7, Coalville, UT 64CI7. , 9 The entire contents of this newspaper is CopyrightC 2001 The Summit County Bee- -' andor Wave Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. -- Forever. See Ya Next Time. County Dee the excellence of her programs and her instruction- - both in music, and in English. Im sure our feelings reflect those of their lives as well. Paulette was qualified to teach deserve. Love Ya Always and express so much with then words. Many new songs are being sung good music, to exercise strict discipline, to perform at concerts, to travel, to have fun, to compete, and finally, to win (and win BIG) sum up in so few words the broad band of priceless experiences our children have shared. Mrs. Silvester quietly retired this past year, but we as a family wanted to publicly thank her for only changed their voices, but moment and let those who desire to do so, have their rights back once again. Well, enough on that subject and moving on to a more positive note, for myself at least, I want to wish my wonderful, handsome, incredible dad a Happy Birthday from all die family. You are such a strength and joy to be around and we thank you for all you do for us. With 87 years of life experiences behind you. you have brought such incredible warmth and memories to our lives as well. May God bless you with the added strength you so Subscribe to The Summit anywhere, but chose to give back to the youth of the Kamas Valley. The opportunity to be exposed to Of every other one with the Manti players. I watched the boys take their place as the flag was pre- meetings. Those not wishing to hear them could step out for a touched my heart and the patriotic tunes that are being played more and more are wonderful and Letters To tHe EdiTOR 525-64- it publrahcd weekly far $16 pe i No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Managing Editor or Publisher. . SPOOR ( |