WITH THE AMERICAN BREED - A DON'T TREAD ON ME CROWD
By Andy Weddington
Sunday, 03 July 2022
We must be free not because we claim freedom but because we practice it. - William Faulkner
24 x 30 in. acrylic on canvas
Private collection
Tomorrow morning our quaint community will parade - walkers, strollers, scooters, skateboards, tricycles, bicycles, and golf carts patriotically decorated all to weave the streets. I'll be cheering spectator - with sketch pad.
This afternoon I took mom for ice cream. And tomorrow will, per tradition, treat to hotdogs.
But to yesterday ...
Afternoon and evening spent with a 'Don't Tread on Me Crowd.'
Two hours west in Rowan County a cousin, Army veteran, owns fifty some acres.
He, in a big way, celebrates Independence Day.
Family and friends invited - a hundred if not more; infant to not yet infirm.
Patriots! All of them.
Chickens about - some cooped, some not. They meandered the crowd and tolerated fascinated children toting them.
A great big pig with apple stuck in mouth filled the smoker.
Perch deep fried in a cast iron pot.
Sides galore - dips and chips and the southern staples baked beans, mac and cheese, potato salad and watermelon. Cakes and cookies and pies, too.
A big pool, trampoline, and sundry toys for the youngsters; and parents let them be kids.
The adults.
These the God-fearing, gun-owning, no-nonsense folk; as those of my youth.
Another Marine present. He was trained at Parris Island, 3d Recruit Training Battalion. In less than five minutes we realized we were in the 2d Marine Division at the same time - early 1980s. He a machine gunner with Fox Company, 2d Battalion 2d Marines and I weapons platoon commander with Golf Company, 2d Battalion 6th Marines. Strangers now found brothers. His father a World War II Marine.
An eagle, globe and anchor suspended by chain fell about mid chest centered between the large SM of USMC on his royal blue t-shirt.
In contrast, another gent was curious about my service and confessed a regret in life was not having served his country. Sentiment sincere; detectable in eyes and tone and words - he appreciates but well knows he'll never fully understand that void. He shook my hand complemented with "thank you."
An uncle, through marriage, not seen in18 years was there; Army veteran with 18 months in Vietnam. He was a kid. A story or two and proud of his service.
Another uncle, through marriage, close to my age also present; Army retired, helicopter pilot and Desert Storm vet. Owns a company supporting the military and first responders. I liked his general observation about the crowd. In so many words, 'These guys know how to handle and use weapons. And so do their kids.'
Looking around, no question (though I used the four-letters word that begins with s and ends with t).
These the people of the unhappy and snowflake nightmares.
It was an afternoon and evening of calm and civility and fun.
If anyone overindulged in spirits I did not notice.
Anyone that did not overindulge in food did so through remarkable discipline.
The youngsters well-behaved; following parent lead.
A t-shirt on one woman caught my eye: I'm not a Bitch it's Just That You're a Pussy.
Well, alright.
These people work hard.
They play hard.
They gathered to celebrate America and being American and family and friendship.
They are not going to stand for having freedoms infringed upon.
Nope, not going to happen.
And these are the people our Founders knew must be armed, and ever ready, to remind (their) representation as to who works for who.
With two hours of road east to tackle, I could not stay for the 2200 fireworks. Regrettable.
But those two hours all I thought about was the previous six.
Photos received this morning proof of spectacular sparklers.
And the party carried on.
If ever in a gunfight, amidst Marines preferred; the 'Don't Tread on Me Crowd' next - they are everywhere not just in Rowan County.
Yesterday was not talk (of freedom) but a walk - a practice of freedom. Mr. Faulkner would be pleased.
Thank you, Brian and Michelle, and all who pitched in - for a deep breath of fresh air, for a needed 'shot in the arm.'
Happy Birthday, America!
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2 comments:
Andy, just like your art you captured the subject perfectly! You could just feel the love for the country and each other. A patriotic time and a good old place where people are people, and all American! Too bad you missed the fireworks, Brian did a great job. Thank you for the smile and the article. GOD Bless America!
Been quite a while since I experienced what you did yesterday. We joined Nancy's daughter and husband for treat of food and libation. All were his golfing friends, nary a Vet among them albeit an over 55 community. Wore a hat with a small barely noticeable EGA. Only one recognized it as his dad was one of us. He thanked me; a sincere gesture - I could tell. Only gun carrier was son-in-law, I sold him my Glock 43 when I moved to a 43X. I envy you Andy for having such a great experience, and I thank you for sharing with us. God Bless America and her Marines for surely He knows they both need His help now more than ever, at least in my lifetime.
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