As expediters we're in a position to appreciate the aspects of our great nation better than many. We see how the public policy our elected officials establish affects the economy and job market. We see the country coast-to-coast and in great detail. We get to learn and re-learn the history of our land in ways most people cant. For example, this is an aniversary year of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Expediters frequently cross the expedition route. We can relate to Lewis, Clark, and company it in person, not just in books.
Who among us has not driven across the West and marveled at the pioneering efforts of the people that traveled there before roads were in place? Even though we travel at high speeds in air-conditioned comfort, we have a sense of the distances involved and the terrain challenges the expedition faced.
Last night, Diane and I and two new expediter friends we made at a New Jersey truck stop rented a car and went to Liberty State Park to watch the fireworks. With the New York City skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island as the backdrop, we saw a wonderful display that inspired patriotic emotions.
Of even greater interest was the 50,000 people in the park we shared. The crowd was an international mix of American citizens with numerous races, religions, and languages in evidence. It was a truely remarkable sight that brought our freedoms to mind and national pride to the fore.
Yes indeed. Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!
