Guest Opinion/Commentary*

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Dare To Do The Impossible
  The Republic piece by Guest: Richard Olivastro

Every day is a special day for freedom loving people everywhere.

For some - including those living under the heavy hand of totalitarian government - each day can be one day closer to the freedom they seek.

For others - including those not living in a totalitarian state - each day can be one day further away from the level of freedom they previously had.

In the latter case, people can recall how things were.

And they can lament not having realized what was happening.

Or, not realizing in time in order to stop the assaults being perpetrated on their personal freedoms.

In the former case, people can either celebrate each deliberate initiative they undertook to pursue freedom.

Or, they can be left to lament not taking bold enough steps to secure individual freedoms.

* * * *

For centuries following our country’s founding 235 years ago, America has been freedom’s beacon.

The Statue of Liberty has long symbolized our welcoming shores. Many popular patriotic songs recognize and celebrate this reality.

One that comes to mind is ‘They’re Coming to America”.

How does the opening line in the Neil Diamond song go?

“On the boats… and on the planes… they’re coming to America.“

Yes, “They’re coming to America.“

That’s been true for years, decades, indeed centuries.

* * * *

Long before the Declaration of Independence, “they came” to the New World primarily for religious freedom.

Way back - this upcoming fact deserves a ‘way, way back’ - on August 18th in 1587 Virginia Dare was born.

She was the first child of English parents born in North America.

Virginia was the daughter of Ananias and Elenor Dare, members of Sir Walter Raleigh’s ill-fated colony that settled Roanoke Island on the North Carolina coast. (Yes, in case you’re wondering, the cookie cake company still bears her name.)

Today, a statue of Virginia Dare stands on the Outer Banks of North Carolina honoring her and all those who came to our shores seeking freedom.

Outer Bankers refer to it as “Dare to do the impossible.”

* * * *

Over the years, Virginia Dare has come to symbolize many things for many Americans.

For some, innocence and purity.

For others, promise and hope, even adventure.

For all of us… bravery… in pursuit of - and in order to secure - our freedoms.

The Outer Bankers get it: “Dare to do the impossible”.

Richard Olivastro
http://cfc.us/

Posted by Guest: Richard Olivastro on 8/14/10

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