As word has gotten around that a Memorial Day parade was in the works, the first such event in years, the reaction has been heartening, for it has become obvious that a great number of people in our area have been waiting for an opportunity to say "thank you" to the people who have given their all, or offered their all, for America. How much of this new patriotism has come about because of the attach on the Twin Towers in New York, and the Pentagon, and the loss of life on American soil, no one really knows. But it seems obvious the people in our area of Northeast Georgia, and probably people all over America for that matter, showed a new appreciation for the freedoms we have in the United States, and a new respect for those who have made great sacrifices so we may have that freedom.
While this was going on, I was researching the history of Northeast Georgia in the late 1700's and early 1800's, and you don't have to study this period long before you realize a lot of adventuresome people gave their all exploring and settling this region. I
was reading a section telling about the sacrifices these pioneers had made, when the news came on about the astronauts that were lost over Texas ... and ironically, the newscast was honoring them as space pioneers.
The seven astronauts were, indeed, American pioneers and we owe them a great debt of gratitude. Their loss is a tragedy ... there is no doubt about that. But history would say that these pioneers, just as those who have gone before them, are proud of the work they have done, and hope the bold exploration of space will continue. We honor them all.
This is Gordon Sawyer, from a window on historic Green Street.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/2/183242