My family and I have lived in three states over the
last 27 years: Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. It is always
interesting seeing differences and similarities in the
different places we have called home. All the states have
some very basic similarities. They have some very distinct
differences as well. One of Nebraska’s unique characteristics
dawned on me last week as Veterans’ Day was being
celebrated at Columbus High School. Nebraska is by far
the most patriotic state we have ever experienced.
In the auditorium, VFW representatives put on a memorable
presentation with the help of Fred Ritter and the New World
Singers and a veteran speaker from the armed services. The
ceremony and talk focused on honoring our flag, honoring
the people that have fought for her, and on remembering the
rights we hold dear that many veterans have died for.
It was a great reminder for all of us, young and old alike
-- how fortunate to live in a country with the freedoms and
rights we all enjoy. It was also important for all of us
to remember how necessary it is to not take these rights
for granted. We must never become complacent in our appreciation
for our liberties, or we will lose them.
In this area Nebraska is unique. The people of this state
have an amazing appreciation for the qualities of our country
and for the hard-earned privileges we enjoy. It would be
wonderful if we could infect the rest of the nation with
this understanding. No other state that I have experienced
waves their flags more proudly or thinks more gratefully
about the benefits of living in this great country.
Sure Nebraskans know the U.S. has its blemishes. However,
the people of this state have a wise understanding that the
values that are contained in our founding documents provide
a foundation unequaled any where else in the world. The people
of this state understand better than anyone I have ever known
that the key to making the U.S. an even better country is
not to criticize it or to leave it. They realize the best
way to make the country stronger is to get involved and help
this land stand true to the values and ideals on which it
was founded.
The people of Nebraska can be extremely proud of this amazing
patriotism. It is one of the Nebraskan qualities that help
its slogan ring true in daily living. It truly is a good
life in Nebraska because the people who live here cherish
the greatness of America and value the men and women who
have served her so faithfully, even to the point of death.
Re-energizing a pride in America should become a national
movement. The best place to start is right here in Nebraska
where this pride has never been stronger. This was brought
home powerfully in the ceremony this column started with.
The audience was told that a World War II veteran was in
the audience. Each of the thousand people in the auditorium,
young and old alike, rose to their feet and gave him a thunderous
ovation. That displayed appreciation for the sacrifice of
veterans. That displayed pride in our country. That displayed
the quality that makes Nebraska unique and makes me proud
to be counted among its citizens.
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