To Stand Together

 

 

 

To Stand Together

 

By John W. Vander Velden

 

 

 

The world news and political views that ooze out of our televisions make it is easy to fear the future.  In chaotic age, perhaps it is a time for looking back.  Few see the significance of knowing the past, but was not this country founded amid tumultuous times?  Have we not, as a nation, faced many difficult situations and endured?  Yes, we face new situations, but did not our fathers and their fathers face troubles that none other were forced to confront. 

 

Today we find ourselves bombarded by heated rhetoric.  Hateful divisive words that promise solutions but in truth only points fingers.  Words intended to put one against another.  This has never been the solution.  Fueling mistrust and anger only increases the fire.  Fear and hate cloud our vision and stand between us and understanding.  Should we not look deeper…to see that within each is a shared heart. Yes, each of us are unique…special in our own way, yet there is a common thread...the things we all share. So on this our nations’ Birthday let us remember the things we share.  We are more than Democrats or Republicans, more than Conservatives or Progressives, more than race, more than first generation or those that can trace their heritage to the Mayflower, for we are all Americans.  And though there has always been differing opinions, and free discussion, we are united by who we are…not what we are.  Challenges have come before.  Challenges will come throughout all time.  But if we stand together, face the difficulties before us, then we will, as we have in the past, defeat those challenges.

 

For though there are those that wish to divide, putting some against others, we are brothers and sisters that share our country.  It is the people that make up America…all of them!  And if we stand together, face all challenges that stands before us, success will be within reach.  Time has taught that the task has never been easy. Each generation has been required to give some of themselves for the future yet unborn.  Let us move forward, shoulder to shoulder, giving our best, respecting one another, supporting our neighbors, family, friends, and strangers, take up this fight that demands sacrifice, patience and a common purpose.  It is time to stand together! 

 

(383 Words)  7-2-2016