Yesterday, my seven-year-old brought home a tissue box-turned-Uncle Sam from summer camp. She was so excited about her project that she jumped up and down as she shared it with me. That is, until I asked if she knew who Uncle Sam was. She paused, thought about it for a moment, and then resumed jumping saying “No, but isn’t he cute?!”
After a long conversation, I’m not sure she comprehends Uncle Sam as the personification of the United States government. “He looks a little like Santa!” She does understand that Uncle Sam represents patriotism and loving your country. American’s love for their country is most evident during this time surrounding our Independence Day. Examples of patriotism surround us; flags adorn houses and buildings, reminding us all that our country is filled with patriots who constantly stand up for the country they so love.
One such patriot rises to the top for me right now: VA 5th Congressional District Representative Tom Perriello. In his first term in the US House of Representatives, Tom consistently authors and supports legislation that will improve the lives of his constituents. Sometimes that means making tough and unpopular decisions that make him a target for his opposition. This week, Tom explained his vote on the energy bill beautifully: “If I have to choose between national security and reelection, for me that’s easy. It’s national security,” he told POLITICO. “I can deal with losing reelection. I can’t deal with being a coward.” Imagine an America where this was the philosophy of all our politicians!
Speaking of Tom’s constituents, they deserve some props as well. A headline in Wednesday’s Martinsville Bulletin announced a 21.9% unemployment rate…a rate that is up from last month and the month before. This community could easily tuck its tail and sink into the mire. It could…but it won’t. Underneath the story about unemployment is a story about Celebration 2009, a long-standing Independence Day tradition that is hosted annually by the Martinsville Speedway. The Speedway and countless other businesses in the Martinsville-Henry County community come together to financially support this event. Tens of thousands of people gather to attend the free concert, this year by Phil Vassar, and witness the best fireworks I’ve ever seen in a small community. There’s one addition this year that knocks this event over the top – participants have been encouraged to bring food and personal care items to the Speedway during the event. These will be collected in containers around the track and distributed to needy families. This community where 1 in 5 is jobless is making sure to provide for the least among them. I can’t think of a better example of patriotism than that.
-Crystal France
Photo courtesy of Mike Wray and the Martinsville Bulletin.
