I didn’t make it to any of the 4th of July road races today, so instead I went to the gym and arrived 15 minutes shy of its holiday opening hour. To kill time, I joined about eight others running on the adjacent outdoor track. My gym is located on a U.S. Marines base; therefore, everyone who works out is either active duty, retired or dependent military.
At 8 a.m. sharp a trumpet began to broadcast “Reveille” to announce a new day. As soon as the first notes blasted from a nearby speaker, everyone stopped in unison and stood at attention facing the same direction. I was struck by how seamless the movement and how quiet the moment on a day normally reserved for revelry. Here I was doing what I appreciate most in a community dedicated to allowing everyone to continue enjoying the declarations in the document we celebrate today.
When the music ended, we simultaneously turned toward our lane and continued as if we’d never stopped. Shortly thereafter a guy pulled alongside me. After several laps I finally looked over because I was ready to stop and didn’t want to cut him off accidentally.
“Hi, I hope you don’t mind that I’m pacing off you,” he said, smiling as sweat dripped off his nose.
“Well then, I better keep going,” I cheerfully responded.
Then I did, for me as much as for him.
12 comments:
Yes, I thought about my freedoms today, just being able to run wherever and whenever I want or can. How many others are that lucky?
"Here I was doing what I appreciate most in a community dedicated to allowing everyone to continue enjoying the declarations in the document we celebrate today."
Can I get a writing class?
That was one of those moments - the kind that imprint in your memory for ever. Very cool!
Moments like those make you proud to be an American.
We missed you yesterday. We had plenty of food. 8-)
What a nice July 4th experience! Much better than mine.
We've got a lot of problems but this country is pretty great at the core. I get mushy thinking about what the country's been through along the way. Very touching post. And good for you getting to the gym bright and early on a holiday!
it's always to be unexpectedly inspired to press on.
Love your response to the dripping guy who said he was pacing off you!!
Thanks for all your nice comments.
Wonderful post anne.
I read it twice!
nice post.
It's great to be appreciated, isn't it? Nice of you to go the extra mile for the gentleman.
That's nice of you!
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