The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I know I don't post too much these days, but I wanted to share this with everyone. My dad is a 73 year old patriot. He was in the Air Force and a veteran of the Korean War. He is American through and through. Anyway, in all his travels he has never been to Washington DC, but has always wanted to go. Realizing that he and my mom are getting older and may not be able to travel much longer, they decided to go east last month. They have been in Washington DC for the last week. It has been a profound experience to say the least. When talking with him on the phone, he cannot get through describing his visits to places of historical significance without getting so emotional that he struggles to speak. My mom is the same way. Anyway, he wrote this email to my brother, sister and I and I wanted to share it with all of you. Thanks for listening . . .


Hi Kids,

I have been searching for words the last several days to express what I am feeling about my experience here in Washington DC and I just have not has any words to say. I know it is more than patriotism; though that is a part of it, and I also know what I felt has deep spiritual roots. I sat down at the computer and began to write and this is what came out. I wanted to share it with you my children.........................
Love Ya
Dad

Washington Thoughts

Since my trek around Washington DC yesterday, I have been unable to determine what I experienced within as I walked upon the hallowed ground of Arlington Cemetery and as I watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tears that spontaneously rolled down my cheeks when I stopped to visit the Marine Memorial commemorating the flag raising at amount Suribachi. The golden letters emblazoned at the base of that statue declaring that Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue. Later a visit to the Viet Nam Wall Memorial and searching out a name I knew was engraved upon it. Then across a park like setting to the many steps ascending to the top of the Lincoln Memorial and reading the words chiseled in the marbled walls within that monument that have echoed over time: Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation…As I looked up at this man, President Lincoln, sitting stoically I could not help but feel and hear the strength and truth of his words reverberating within my spirit. Descending the steps of that great structure, I looked across a long reflective body of water that mirrored the Washington Monument. Something I had only seen in pictures. It was breath taking and again everything within me was stirred anew. I thought of Valley Forge and the crossing of the Potomac, a river I could literally see a short distance away. All these things were a witness unto themselves, and yet were separately different, but these differences were inextricably connected forever. They somehow bore witness of an eternal truth that transcended national patriotism. Patriotism has always come easy to me as I love my American Heritage. I love the history of men who sacrificed their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for generations of descendants that were yet to come. This stirring I felt was somehow more than patriotism. It was like experiencing the victory of a battle though you were only a small unrecognized a part of it. I could relate to it perfectly like a son relates to a father who speaks to him of generations that preceded the son’s birth. That same father son relationship was validated through the inherent genetic metal I had every right to claim as an American, and even more so as a Christian, for God forged it all.

For some things, any attempt at true expression by way of words is an exercise in futility. I feel somewhat like that about what I have experienced today. Suffice it to say that I believe America is the fulfillment of the purpose of God, and germane to that purpose comes a responsibility or stewardship that we all have as a free people; and that is to preserve our heritage, which was forged in blood by men of faith and resolve. These men were willing to sacrifice all, so liberty would prevail. Our great task, as individuals and as a nation is to embrace, maintain and preserve the freedom that was won at so great a cost. This stewardship is the responsibility of every person that lives and breathes and walks upon this land we call America. Failure to do so will bear a heavy penalty upon us all.

Dad

Very nice, Jeff. I lived and worked in DC for 34 years, and over the years played tour guide to many many visiting family and friends. And every time, I had those same emotions. Glad that your mom and dad finely got the chance to experience it all. Nicely written.

El Rey

I guess it's true what they say about acorns falling not far from the tree.

Awesome, Jeff!

Thanks for sharing this! I am planning on visiting Washington D.C. for my first trip there sometime in the next year. I cannot wait to experience it in person.

Dawn