Well, I may not be quite that old but others can testify my hair is almost all gray.  And, I am a tribute to that blessed generation of the 1920's and '30s who instilled a strong value of God and love of country. 

 

I am glad that I am old enough to remember prayer and saying the Pledge of Allegiance in my classroom without fear of being sued.  And, I can remember walking to school on a Saturday with my friends and brother to rehearse with our Grammar School choir without fear of being hurt and kidnapped.  We were in the 2nd grade and walked a full 2 miles to school without parental escorts. 

 

I can remember being taught about our Founding Fathers as heroes, not villans or Communist/Socialist. I was taught that we were Federalist and that our Gov't was to be small and states, counties, and communities resolved most of our problems. 

 

Yes, I can remember when we SANG the NATIONAL ATHEM, not just listen to a soloist or choir sing it. And, we sang it with pride, loudly and clapping at the end.  I remember God Bless America and America the Beautiful and I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy..

 

Those were incredible times.  I never used an outhouse but my parents did.  But, I remember chores came first, homework, and yes sir, and ma'am.  I remember Mr. Mrs. and Miss, not mis. and making sure the elderly were helped across the street and carried their groceries into the house for them. 

 

I remember when I didn't see very many "homes for the elderly" as we took care of them in our homes.  I remember when it was the thing to do to watch the Blue Angels do their manuevers overhead with pride and awe.  I remember Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies and parades. 

 

And how about homemade ice cream, rootbeer floats and playing tag with the neighborhood kids at night without fear of harm or being kidnapped.  Our entertainment was found mostly outside the house playing games with the neighborhood kids, family friends, or team sports at school.  TV was watched at night or for a brief time in the afternoon, not to interrupt our chores or schoolwork or helping in the kitchen with mom. 

 

Yes, I am glad for those memories even in what was difficult in my home, as it balanced it out with the cherised memories that provided courage to stand for what is right and good and wholesome. And eventually which provided for me that there is a God and before the end of High School finding our Lord and Savior.

 

I am blessed for the yesteryears in my life. 

 

Patty Hayes