True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#9)

 This next entry was one of my favorite to write this past month. What a great memory!

#16:  CLASSIC AMERICANA: "THE WIZARD OF OZ"

“What makes the Hottentot so hot? What puts the "ape" in apricot? What have they got that I ain't got?” (The Cowardly Lion, "The Wizard of Oz")

For Day 16 of True American Pride month for me I remember and celebrate the American film "The Wizard of Oz". A musical version of Frank Baum's book opened in Chicago today in 1902. The classic film version premiered in August 1939. Movie researchers at the University of Turin in Italy studied over 47000 films produced globally and declared in 2019 that "Wizard of Oz" was the most influential film of all time.

Perhaps so. All I can say is that I can still to this day vividly remember watching this story every year with my siblings as we grew up. And I continue to watch it at least once a year and still marvel at the characters and their portrayals; the cinematic 1sts achieved in this landmark film; the amazing trivia tidbits about the film; and most of all the timeless principles of home, loyalty, courage, good triumphing over evil, and friendship which the story highlights. It is inspiring and endearing which is why I watch it over and over. And also why I've watched very few US films made in the last 20 years - those principles seem to mean nothing to Hollywood today.

Cheers to this movie! I'll end with a couple of my favorite lines from the movie. (some you'll catch me saying still today!) Feel free to add your own in the comments! (Ok. More than a couple. Couldn't help it!)

"Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.”

“Lions, and tigers and bears! Oh my!"

“Some people without brains do an *awful* lot of talking, don't they?”

“Orders are nobody can see the Great Oz! Not nobody, not nohow!”

“A heart is shown not by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” — The Wizard of Oz

#17: THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." (Emma Lazarus, inscription at base of the Statue of Liberty)

Day 17 of my celebration of True American Pride. Today I remember the Statue of LIberty. If there is any one single monument that represents the best of this country to the rest of the world, it is this. A gift from the nation of France in 1886 to celebrate mutual friendship and the abolition of slaves in the U.S., the statue has greeted millions of visitors and immigrants, and has been a symbol of hope and new beginnings for all.

And there is no denying that the United States still remains that kind of place: a refuge where dreams can and do come true, if you're willing to work hard and become part of the great American "melting pot".

Few know of the intended symbolism of key features of the Statue. The crown: Represents Lady Liberty's halo enlightening the world. The torch: A symbol of progress towards freedom. The tablet: A book of laws indicating that this nation is governed by laws. All of this deserves to be recognized and honored.

I think it's safe to say that all Americans came here from somewhere else. hoping for a new start. That is the essence of America. My ancestors came from Germany and Finland. And I think it's also safe to say that the vast majority of Americans recognize that our nation's strength comes in part from our diversity...and that we welcome all those who come to this country - peacefully and legally - to be part of this great nation. God bless America

All reac

True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#8)

 Halfway through my celebration. It was all originally sparked by this photo below. I saved this post for the appropriate day in June though. 

#14:  U.S. FLAG DAY - THE ORIGINAL (AND ONLY) PRIDE FLAG

“Every day, Americans across the country pledge their allegiance to the flag, which serves as a symbol of our founding history and the fundamental rights of freedom, liberty, and opportunity. But, one day a year, we set aside June 14 as Flag Day, honoring the date in 1777 when the Continental Congress officially made the Stars and Stripes the symbol of America. Since then, Americans have fought bravely for our country and have paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our values are protected." (Sen. Joe Manchin, Flag Day 2023)

Today's 14th post of Real Things to Be Proud of in America is a simple one. Our national flag, "The Star-Spangled Banner", "Old Glory", "The Red, White, and Blue", etc. is a universally recognized symbol that for 246 years has served to unite the citizens of this country. Its colors: red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice - reveal that which Americans strive to be the representatives of. It has always been a call to as Abraham Lincoln called it, "...the better angels of our nature".

No other flag can claim that honor. No other flag should be accorded that kind of attention or respect. I appreciate Senator Manchin's reminder of this today. God Bless this country.

#15: AMERICAN INVENTORS AND INVENTIONS

“The American Dream is simple: it’s the unwavering belief that anybody – you, me, your friends, your neighbors, grandma Verna – can become exceedingly successful, and all it takes is the right amount of work, ingenuity, and determination.” ~ Mark Manson

Day 15 of Real Things American to Be Proud Of. Today I celebrate American inventiveness. From A to Z...airplane to zipper...Americans throughout history have shown themselves to be some of the most creative, persistent, and innovative discoverers and makers of new things that have improved life in this world: both in little and huge ways.

Did you know there is an "Inventors' Hall of Fame" in the United States? (based in Alexandria, VA). Very fun browsing through their website. Here's a random list of American inventors, followed by an equally random list of their inventions. How many of them can you match correctly? ANSWERS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST (don't skip ahead!)

THE INVENTORS: 1.Mary Anderson, 2.William Coolidge, 3.Arthur Fry, 4.Elias Howe, 5.Stephanie Kwolek, 6.Bradford Parkinson, 7.Ruth Wakefield.

THE INVENTIONS: A.Chocolate chip cookies, B.the zipper, C.GPS, D. Post-It notes, E.Kevlar, F.X-Ray, G.windshield wipers.

Here are the answers for those curious: 1.G 2.F 3. D 4. B 5. E 6. C 7. A

True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#7)

 

Adding a couple more of my Pride entries here. My attention turned to modern American history in these two.

#12: JUNE 12:  REAGAN TO GORBACHEV: "TEAR DOWN THIS WALL!"

"Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city, part of a vast system of barriers that divides the entire continent of Europe. . . . As long as this gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind. . . .General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" (Ronald Reagan, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin GER June 12 1987)

Today on the 12th day of my personal True American Pride celebration I remember one of the greatest speeches and acts of any modern American President, delivered 36 years ago today. Ronald Reagan's firm stand against the Soviet Union helped ended the modern Cold War in 1989.

The strength and resolve of this country, as expressed in the stance of its genuine leaders has changed the world for the good for much of our 200+ year history. Our present leadership leaves much lacking and the world is less safe because of that. May we all pray for firm, honest, and strong leadership to return once more. We the people deserve better than what we currently have. So does the world.

Deborah and I saw this at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley CA

#13: JUNE 13: THE U.S. LANDS THE 1ST MAN ON THE MOON

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." (Neil Armstrong, US astronaut July 20 1969)

On my 13th day of things American to Be Truly Proud of I remember this historic summer event 64 years ago. I remember sitting with my siblings and cousins on the floor of our aunt's house in Eugene on a visit and watching the black and white images flicker showing men on the moon 1000's of miles away. An incredible feat of engineering, ingenuity, and courage. I'll never forget the feeling of watching history unfold before my very eyes. America was the 1st nation to do this, and to this day the only nation to have a man walk on the surface of the moon.

The American space program (NASA) was the epitome of how inventive and resourceful this country could be. This country has a long history of being a leader and much to be proud of. Again, may we return to these kind of nobler endeavors. As John F. Kennedy said in first proposing this mission in 1962:

"We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win, and the others, too."

True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#6)

 These two entries were especially fun to write!

#10: TRUE AMERICANA - SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS

“Sssshh...be vewwy, vewwy quiet. I'm hunting rabbit. Ha...ha..ha." ~ Elmer Fudd

Saturday Day 10 of my Things in America to Truly Be Proud Of celebration. Today I celebrate Saturday morning cartoons! I have great memories of us kids watching Saturday morning cartoons, especially the "Looney Tunes" bunch: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Tweety, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Elmer Fudd, and especially the RoadRunner and Wile E. Coyote! Truly classic characters! Funny, even still today!!.

Foghorn Leghorn and Egghead Jr.

My two favorites, Wil E. Coyote and the Roadrunner

How many of these Looney Tune catch phrases do you remember (and can you name who said them?)

"You're despicable!"..."What a maroon!"..."That's, I say, that's a joke, son!"..."That makes me very ANGRY!"... "Meep, meep." "Great horny toads!"

Ah...I could go on all day. Great memories. True Americana. Too bad Saturday morning TV isn't this rich any more. Cheers!

"That's all, folks!"

#11: TRUE AMERICANA - THE PAINTINGS OF NORMAN ROCKWELL

“The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.” (Norman Rockwell)

Busy day today, but still find time to continue by remembering things to Truly Be Proud of in America. For Day 11, I'm celebrating the classic American painter Norman Rockwell. I've always been drawn to his paintings (perhaps it's because I have an "old soul" in me. Some say I belonged back in the 1940's!).

"Triple Self-Portrait", 1960

Some may criticize his paintings for being idealistic or too simple. I've always thought they expressed things - not in words - about the true American culture and what was good, noble, and honorable about it. Here are 3 of my favorites: "Freedom of Speech"; "Girl With A Shiner", and "The Runaway. Enjoy. God bless what's good and true in this country.

"Freedom of Speech", 1943

"The Young Lady with the Shiner", 1953

"The Runaway", 1958

True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#5)

 More of these entries for your enjoyment...

DAY 8: THE ALL-AMERICAN BASEBALL CAP

"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn." ~ Orson Welles

Day 8 of my true American Pride celebration this month. Today I'm celebrating the baseball cap. Classic American style. If you ever travel overseas, it is the one thing that distinguishes Americans from anyone else in the world.

Sometime in the 1980's, the cap became the ubiquitous fashion accessory for everyone: practical, easy to wear, could put any message on it; worn by the rich and every common Joe (and women look pretty darn good in them too as you can see!)

I don't think a day goes by that you won't see me in a cap...and honestly, probably will have worn at least 3 different ones throughout the day, depending on my mood and what I'm doing or wearing. Love them!

On the golf course, Dutcher Creek 2020

At the beach, Carmel CA 2017

Or just hanging out at home, 2022

A true celebration of simple American fashion!

#9: GREAT AMERICAN EXPLORERS: LEWIS AND CLARK

"Ocian in view! O! the Joy" "This great Pacific Octean which we been So long anxious to See. and the roreing or noise made by the waves brakeing on the rockey Shores (as I Suppose) may be heard distictly!" (William Clark)

"We proceeded on." (Meriwether Lewis)

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and Sacagjawea

On Day 9 of my True American Pride month I celebrate the adventurers and explorers who helped open this great country to the rest of its citizens. These men were brave, tough and resourceful, and curious. And their efforts encouraged other American men and women to "Go West" to find new lives and success. This has alway been a true American impulse.

My favorite book about their expedition

My favorite explorers were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Their bold expedition to travel from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean in 1804-06 is something to read about! These two leaders only lost one man during the whole trip; recorded diligently volumes of information on the wildlife and geography they traversed, and got along with the Native American tribes they met along the way. A truly great acheivement.

You can see today a statue commemorating Lewis and Clark at the end point of their journey westward at Seaside OR. I've been there. Thanks to Americans like these two the beauty of the Pacific Ocean is something that Americans like me can still enjoy today.

Lewis and Clark's statue at Land's End, Seaside OR

True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#4)

 Continuing to add to my blog the entries that I posted last month. Appropriate to add a couple today on Independence Day. God Bless this great Nation!

#6: JUNE 6: REMEMBERING D-DAY

"Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world...." (Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Order of the Day, 6/6/1944)

On this 6th day of my celebrating things in America to genuinely be proud of, I remember the courage and sacrifice of many Americans on this day 79 years ago on the beaches of Normandy.

Americans have been willing to be leaders in the world that stood for what was right: freedom, democracy, and to stand against evil. The American efforts to win WWII are the epitome of that impulse.

The Guns at Long su-Mere - Omaha Beach FR 2004

One of Robert Capa's famous photos from D-Day - The 1st landing at Omaha Beach

In recent years that noble impulse has been tarnished by short-sighted and selfish politicians who have used American power for unworthy reasons. But that doesn't erase the fact that this country can...and still does for many...remain a bastion of strength and support for what's right. God bless America.  

The Memorial at the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach FR 2004

#7: JUNE 7: THE AMERICAN COWBOY

Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton - "Yellowstone" (2021)

“I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.” ~ John Wayne

Day 7 of True American Pride month. Today I celebrate the American cowboy. There is no person or image that best represents so much of the culture and values that epitomize the best of America. That's why the cowboy - from John Wayne in "Stagecoach" to "Yellowstone's" Rip Wheeler - appeals to so many. The cowboy is rugged, independent, hard-working, honest, "Yes, ma-am, No ma-am" polite, and never quits. And in the words of Woodrow Call ("Lonesome Dove"), "I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it.") Love that line!

Cowboys taking a break - TX 1907

If you've ever had the pleasure of knowing a real rancher/cowboy, you know those things are true. I do.

So, though there may be more "suburbs" than "saddle" in me, I salute the Cowboy. May that spirit stay strong in all Americans. And may we all ride off into the sunset with that someone special.

A cowboy and his girl - Bandon Beach OR 2015

Riding the Range - Sunriver OR 2021

True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#3)

 Here are the next entries in this series...proud of all of them. 

#4:  JUNE 4: OUR AMERICAN OLYMPIANS

"At the Olympics, you're there to do a job. I feel you should take it seriously. You should be respectful. You are putting on the red-white-and-blue and going out there to perform for your country. "(Shannon Miller US gymnast)

Day 4 of celebrating what makes me proud of in America. Today I remember all of the American athletes who have represented this country so proudly and successfully in the Olympic Games. Over the years, I've watched countless inspiring performances - the best and most heart-warming have often been by athletes that are rarely recognized. These individuals are usually the ones most proud of their opportunity, and most grateful for this country and all it has given them. May we all remember the same. Do you have an Olympic athlete or memory like these? Can you name any of these heroes?

Rulon Gardner, Greco-Roman wrestling Gold, Sydney 2000

Jesse Diggins, X-Country skiing, Team Sprint Gold, Pyeongchang 2018

The Dream Team, Basketball Gold, Barcelona 1992

Allyson Felix, 4x400 relay Gold, Tokyo 2020

Kerry Strug, Team gymnastics Gold, Atlanta 1996

#5: JUNE 5: GOOD OLD AMERICAN BARBECUE!

“Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start.” (Anthony Bourdain)

Been a busy day, but still have time for Day 5 of celebrating things about America that make me proud.

I just love BBQ! Whether it's Texas, Carolina, Kansas City, Memphis, or just good old Grants Pass style...BBQ is about as All-American as you can get. My family loved it so much that we used to even have an annual BBQ contest among the menfolk. (Called it BAM! - after Emeril Lagasse, our muse. I won it 3 times!).

Cheers to all and bring on the grill and the meat! #america #americanpride #bbq

The BAM! BBQ Crew 2001

The BAM! BBQ Crew 2004

The Judges doing their Thing - BAM! 2004

My 1st BAM! Win - 1999

The King of BBQ - Dad - Finally Wins 2004

Brother Steve and our Muse Emeril - 2001