Singing previous generations’ praises for creating “small-town” America
In 1945, RKO Radio and Frank Sinatra released a song and an accompanying video entitled “The House I Live In.” The project was intended to support national brotherhood and bolster belief in a united America. It’s a stirring piece of music, and I encourage everyone to look it up and enjoy it. You will find it to be seven, well-spent, patriotic minutes long. This month I share my space with Frank as I interweave his lyrics with my stories to declare my national pride and remember the very roots instilled in me since I was young. In this time of national challenge, I am compelled to remind everyone of our one, indivisible nation.
What is America to me?
A name, a map, the flag I see,
a certain word, “Democracy.”
What is America to me?
Charlie held his grandpa’s hand tightly. He knew as long as he didn’t let go, he couldn’t get lost in these familiar park woods. He had been here dozens of times, but never before the sun was up. Papa just hummed his familiar “Papahum” that Charlie always heard when his idol was busying himself with things, and the old man led the way. Just beyond the bend was a clearing that eventually met the lake, and Charlie could smell the water. He also heard sounds that filled the pre-dawn air in a mystical, adventurous way. Good old Papa, always something new.
