Today, we honor our country, our heroes and ourselves on Independence Day. We are blessed to live here, especially when we consider all of the alternatives.
It is also, in my mind, an important moment to reignite the spark of friendship with our friends in Europe in the country of France.
Without France, we would not have won our independence in 1781, as their warships arrived just in time from the Caribbean to block the only exit from the Chesapeake Bay. Trapped, the British surrendered.
I am no apologist for France, and I know that part/much of their motivation in helping us then came from their own animosity and military strategy against the British/English. And I am also aware of our sacrifices in helping France in the two world wars. Of course, our motivations for entry into those wars were much greater than helping France.
And true, there are deep cultural and language differences between us. Differences that have been accentuated by the arrogant behaviors of American tourists in France post World War II.
Nonetheless, we are friends, and hopefully always will be.
As the 2003 Tour de France begins for the 100th time tomorrow, we might remember that it was France that also started the modern Olympics, the World Cup and Grand Prix (now called Formula 1) Racing.
Some pretty classy events, not to mention all the wonderful literature, science, art and wine that originates/originated there.
Just a thought this beautiful summer morning in Pennsylvania.
Happy 4th to all.
Ken Wilson |
