Reflections on Independence Day

When I created this blog the intent was to tell stories from growing up in the Midwest, going to college, adventures from travelling abroad and the relationships that happen during the journey that is our lives. Looking back at the posts, I realize I have done the latter two but have reflected little on the current moment or growing up in the Midwest.

Today it is Independence Day, so it is a fitting day to bring my thoughts back home. It's also a great day to be in Washington. Nothing quite says America like going to the National Mall, where we inaugurate our presidents, for the 4th of July fireworks. We'll sit by the Washington Monument with a view of the Capitol, the White House, and the Lincoln Memorial. As I look at the White House juxtaposed with the Lincoln Memorial, it will occur to me that both Lincoln and our current president are from Illinois, my home state. The fireworks will appear over the Potomac River and Lincoln Memorial and they will be beautiful.

I am proud to be an American. I am equally proud of the bricks my family has laid in the continuing American story. I represent the four corners of Illinois. There is my grandfather, who grew up Catholic on the South Side of Chicago. His wife, my grandmother, grew up in the old state capitol of Illinois, Vandalia, the daughter of school teachers. On my mom's side, my grandfather grew up as a son of sharecroppers in central Illinois. My grandmother grew up the daughter of Austrian immigrants in northern Illinois, hearing German spoken in the house. Between these four families, at least one man fought in World War I, six men fought in World War II (including my grandfather), my paternal grandfather served in the Korean War, and many have served our country in countless other ways, from teaching to volunteering to working for the government, volunteering on political campaigns, voting, and more.

When I was on vacation with my grandparents recently in yet another beautiful part of our country, the beaches of North Carolina, I learned that my great-grandfather joined the Navy right after Pearl Harbor. This may not seem unusual until you consider he had a well-established job in the Vandalia School District, a wife and three young children. He felt so called to serve our country that he led his family across the country during his service to the Navy.

I was really touched to learn about this story. I am beginning the application process for the Peace Corps, in part because I want to serve our country. In this post-9/11 era I want to be a part of creating change in some of the most economically deprived corners of our world with my abundant American optimism and sense of opportunity. I have no illusions that I would be a good soldier. While I tremendously respect my family's service to the military, I know I would not be good at that. But I can be a good peacemaker and represent our country well in other ways. So... Peace Corps, here I come! On 4th of July, it just feels good to know that could be my next step.