Eternal Flame

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

How fitting in this presidential election year, we end here with a post about one of the most beloved presidential figures of all time. Interestingly enough, the somber anniversary of President John F.Kennedy's tragic death will once again coincide with Thanksgiving Day celebrations across the nation tomorrow, perhaps a bittersweet memory for all who still can remember exactly where they were on November 22, 1963, when the dynamic leader of the free world fell victim to an assassin's ambush.

For those of us who came of age on the heels of the assassinations of the 35th U.S. President, his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, and Nobel Peace Prize winning Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, there may still be some lingering sentiments of feeling slighted somehow and robbed of having such decent souls taken from our midst so prematurely.

In his moving and stirring Inaugural Address, President Kennedy spoke with passion of an unwavering devotion to some noble ideals that could "truly light the world". Here, courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, is his inspiring speech. How fitting even in death, the Eternal Flame marking his gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery remains to this day a symbolic reminder daring the rest of us to help create a better world and existence for all mankind.

As we celebrate a day of thanksgiving tomorrow, amid the parades, the football games, and, of course, the mouth watering feast to follow, let's pause, reflect and remember a generation not so long ago where serving the greater good reigned supreme over a what's in it for me mentality so prevalent in today's world. It's a matter of choice: We can all choose to improve the lot of the human race, striving to live in peace & harmony, or live amid strife & discord and perish together.

In closing, Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you have much to be thankful for, and here's wishing you & yours a safe & wonderful Happy Holidays! season, and all the best for a Happy New Year! ahead.