"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived but if faced with courage it need not be lived again." Maya Angelou
On late Tuesday evening, the last of the Kennedy brothers, Edward Moore Kennedy, passed away. I have always loved history and have sought to instill in our children a deep love for our country's heritage and encouraged them to respect those individuals who have served as a source of strength and inspiration to make our nation great. As our children were growing up, we made trips to Washington, D.C. regularly and stopped along the way at Williamsburg, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Stratford Hall, Gettysburg, Hyannis Port on Cape Cod, The JFK Library in Boston, and many more noteworthy historical locations. Often times we did this type of vacation because with a large family, history vacations were both educational but a bit less expensive than the exotic locations they might have preferred as kids. I believe though, that this gave them all a love for history and a yearning to live selfless when concerning their rights and freedoms. In these travels, we began to collect books on the Presidents and cities that have a political history rich with the early years of the United States of America. We even enjoy a room in our home, called "The President's Room" where we enjoy reading and sharing this collection of books. I have always enjoyed reading about the Kennedy Family and have read and enjoyed learning about their approach of service to our country. President Kennedy approached obstacles and decisions with wisdom, honor, and above all, courage. On January 20, 1961 during his Inaugural Address, John F. Kennedy said these prophetic words, "And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country." In reading, we are able to understand that his brothers and sisters did also, so to the family of Edward "Ted" Kennedy, my heart is extended in sympathy. A life well lived deserves respect. He taught other Americans to tolerate and respect each other and to remove racial, religious, and other social blinders. He, like his brothers shared the values as well as dreams for peace and prosperity. His life may not have been perfect, but he and his family did much for our great country. The photograph above is from our "President's Room".
"To the service of that great and glorious Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, that will be; We unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection and for the great degree of tranquility, union and plenty which we have enjoyed; We most humbly offer.....our prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations." George Washington, 1732-1789
