The Native Iowan

I graduated from High School in 1976. I recall the vibrant 200th celebration very well. It was a big deal, and added to the 125th anniversary of the town I lived in, it was a grand, simple, fun and frenetic time had by all.

For an 18yrold, newly emancipated mindless sack of semen like I was in those days… well hell, it was an “endless summer”…

As a child of the 60s, nurtured in the era of the Nam-War, I certainly was not what one would call “patriotic”. The war plus the screwed up political scene of the time had me leaning more toward a position of being “anti” to most things “American”. I had no trust in the system.

That youthful period of development and discovery saw me as a combination of hard working Iowa farm-boy, and long haired punk kid that erroneously thought he had a clue.

The 4th of July has always been a holiday I enjoyed. I saw meaning in the celebration. I forever shall love a parade, and a small town 4th of July parade is the best. The High School marching band, with the folks with their horses, and the Veterans from many conflicts, all lined up, smiling, proud, happy.

I found it uplifting to feel, to be within the vibe of those times. Since I was small I have waited, anticipated the 4th with its stimulus of sound and smells and, of course, the fire works…

50 years have flashed past quickly. As I sit here, a septuagenarian in waiting, I can clearly see back into those long gone but not forgotten times…

Independence, Iowa had spent the preceding year preparing for the Event. Men in town had grown beards and bought cooky hats. The women had all sewn frilly dresses and sun bonnets. The town spruced up in a retrograde manner, going into the past, creating a movie-set, taking the town back 125 years to its beginning.

Independence had a historic past. Mostly known for it’s horse racing, since 1866, Independence was home to 2 of the fastest racing horses in the world. In 1889, thousands of spectators were present to watch the most anticipated horse racing event ever between Independence’s own Allerton and Axtell.

The theme was well represented in 1976.

And now, in 2026 the USofA stands a Nation divided by politics. I see many places claiming they will not celebrate the 4th this year. I see, hear and feel the vibe of TDS. The anit-anti vibe that pervades and infects much of the USofA.

As well, I see a Nation celebrate and proclaim their pride and support of the US Mens National Soccer Team. Noting well America aint a soccer country. The USMNT is making us all proud, as we should be. Their timing is perfect. Go Team Go!

As a repeat offending Emigrant, I find I have great capacity to be proud and patriotic. Of course the USA is the land that made me, produced, me, taught me, then sent me out to find my place in the world. Solomon Islands is, was, has been a magnificent place to grow from youth to age. I learned important lessons from my Island family. I learned to do without and to make do with what was at hand. Australia is the perfect place for this old Adventurer to slow down, seek remedies to many injuries, live quietly and contentedly, and write.

I intentionally acknowledge all my National-Days. But the 4th, this year, is going to be special. Worldwide, interplanetary, galactic SPECIAL.

Special…

We need to remember that tomorrow.

Enjoy your 250th Bday…

More later