Progress?

Three years ago on June 24, 2019, Randy and I returned home from our Revolutionary/Civil War Tour with our son Justin and our grandsons. It was our intention to have the boys experience history and to learn about the sacrifices of those who came before us. 

When I was in school, I learned about our country’s history primarily by reading textbooks and memorizing dates, and I am embarrassed to admit that there is much that I have forgotten since then. I felt strongly that first-hand experiences to the birthplace of our country as well as our nation’s capital would hopefully lead to a  better understanding of our nation’s history and its struggles. This trip was not just for our grandsons; it was for us adults as well.

Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Gettysburg - we experienced so much history. Of course, there wasn’t enough time to see and learn everything, but I think we all have a better understanding of history, of how our country has changed, and of the processes in our nation's capitol that impact all of us in the United States.

Today, Facebook shared a memory from three years ago about that trip. Randy wrote the following in the comments section:

Walking the Freedom Trail learning the history of our Founding Fathers, standing in Independence Hall where they debated the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, experiencing the Civil War at Gettysburg which was the turning point of the War Between the States, touring the Capitol Building which should be a symbol of democracy in action - we felt pride at being a part of the United States of America. 

Yesterday, June 23, 2022, we celebrated the 50-year landmark of Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal funds. This piece in the NY Times explains how Patsy T. Mink, our Representative to Congress from Hawai`i, led the fight to get Title IX passed in the Educational Amendments of 1972. Young girls today have unlimited opportunities to participate in sports, and many go on to receive athletic scholarships because of Title IX. Participating in athletics teaches valuable lessons such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance, fair play, and goal-setting. Today’s women have made strides in all areas, and they have options and opportunities that may not have been available to those of our generation. Title IX is not just about athletics. It’s about cultivating caring citizens and leaders. It’s about making sure that our young people have opportunities to thrive, to follow their dreams, to try new ideas, to become more than they ever thought possible. It’s about growing confident leaders who care about their world and who want to make it a better place. Title IX is about empowerment.

Today, five  US Supreme Court justices overturned Roe v Wade, a landmark decision from nearly 50 years ago. Today, many women in our country, now and in the future, have lost a fundamental right to make decisions regarding their own bodies. Yesterday was a day to celebrate women and all they have accomplished since Title IX was passed fifty years ago. Today, I cannot help but wonder what other rights might be taken away in my lifetime. Today is a sad day for our country. 

In his Facebook comment, Randy shared, “Each generation is called upon to act. Hopefully, each generation can find inspiration to do right from those who came before them. At least that is the hope.” We must never give up hope that those in power will do right by the people they serve. Today, sadly, they didn’t.