Friday, December 19, 2008

Proud to be an Old Fool

Have I become one of those Old Fools? You know the ones I am talking about. Those "elderly" gentlemen and women who get all watery eyed with a quivering bottom lip every time the Star Spangled Banner plays or a color guard marches Old Glory past them? Sometimes you can pick them out because they are wearing funny hats with buttons and pins all over them and maybe even some medals on a silly vest. Hey, that one was even saluting with a huge smile on his face. Is that what I have become? Or is that what I've always been but just a younger version waiting to mature into my full Old Fool status?

I thought of those overwhelming emotions that bring spontaneous tears and fluttering heart to be indicators of my deep love and devotion to my Country. They were but a mark of my sincere pride at being a citizen of this great country and my gratefulness for the honor of serving my Country in many ways. And that is all true. Does that mean someone who is not in my Old Fools' clique is not as patriotic as we are? Of course not. We all respond differently and outward indicators are not always accurate displays of what resides in our hearts.

I started thinking about this because as I played the video of the Catcus Cuties singing the National Anthem I found those familiar warm tears seeping from the corners of my eyes. The flushing of my face and the increased rhythm of my heart beat confirmed that I was in full blown patriotic emotional arousal. Suddenly I realized that I was indeed one of those Old Fools and I found myself smiling. What an honor!

The Cactus Cuties' official website

9 comments:

GeologyJoe said...

one more step towards GrandpaBlogging. ;)

I'm proud to know you Tony.

Bonez said...

GeoJoe, if Gradpa Blogging is in my future then I am glad to be in the company of the likes of you. I mean, look at you! All cool and debonair and full of spirit and manly man stuff. What a great example of how to give in to the dark side of Daddy and Grandpa blogging while retaining our manly essence.

Hope said...

What a nice way to remind us that patriotism and all that goes with it are values to be cherished.

Anonymous said...

Nah, they're just that good! They sound beautiful, they have a great future in store for them.

Bonez said...

Hope ~ Patriotism isn't about supporting an agenda from either of the two primary political parties. Patriotism isn't about agreeing with everything our government tells us or decides on. Patriotism is something that thrives deep in the heart of a person who loves their country and believes in the wonderful potential is holds for its people. Patriotism IS a value, as you say, and one that some people need to be reminded of in these tough times. WE the People of these United States of America can and will overcome the obstacles that appear to be in our path currently. Together we can keep American strong and alive and Free.

Wayne John ~ Yes, the Cactus Cuties are definitely *that good* and I it appears they are already being pushed toward more commercial success. Does that mean a "great future"? I have my doubts about that after witnessing so many other beautiful talented people that started out as "innocents" only to be torn down and destroyed as human beings through their success. Let's pray these young ladies don't suffer such a fate and are indeed able to keep shining a light of goodness and inner beauty. Wow, didn't mean to end up sounding so metaphysical ;)

EuroYank - Virginia Hoge said...

Gee Tony - you are a Grand gramps blogger!

Bonez said...

Damn, EuroYank, you have a way of making Grandpa Blogger sound even worse to me ;) "Grand Gramps Blogger"... sheesh, it makes me sound like I have lost all my teeth, hobble around on a cane, and play Bingo down at the VFW for my weekly excitement. Maybe I am the New Wave Grandfather. The sophisticated, handsome healthy patriarch to be envied and respected. Maybe...

Ole Blue The Heretic said...

Old fools like us are what people and this country need.

We can rebel at authoritarians but we respect the sacrifice for freedom.

Bonez said...

Ole Blue ~ I am grateful for the current spirit of the Country, as a whole, that remains supportive of our troops and conscious of the sacrifices they are making. Without regards to political parties or if the war is justified or not. Neither are the concern of our troops. They are doing their best to maintain honor in serving. It hasn't always been this way... so many of our veterans have come home not to parades and open arms but to ridicule, mocking, and even hatred. Maybe we as a Country are more aware now and understand that it isn't the men and women doing "the dirty work" of our government who should be the ones ridiculed, mocked and hated.

But yes, Old Fools like us have given much so that millions can enjoy the liberty and freedom to think of us as "old fools".