April 2010

by Lisa Miller

History Among Utah Humanists

This month our community was talking about historic events that were large in our lives. I hope our conversationalists don't mind, I'd like to quote them directly:

"July 16, 1969, right in the middle of the worst summer of my life...stuck in Big Piney, Wyoming working in the oil fields. That was the summer I was vilified for reading during my breaks and eventually chased with clippers because my hair was starting to grow over my ears. I only saw TV once all summer long. I somehow managed to get invited to watch Astronaut Neil Armstrong take the first step onto the moon. What a thrill!!!"

"One of the big events in my life, although I didn't recognize it until after it had essentially happened, was the shift in the Republican party beginning with Reagan's election from what I had always thought was a responsible, business-like party to a mean-spirited, ideological party. I thought my parents, my siblings, and I were in the right party much of my life but I eventually caught on to its being the extreme right-wing party and I moved on."

"One day in 1954, I placed my hand over my heart to recite the pledge of allegiance in school. Wasn't I surprised when it had changed overnight? We were to add 'under God.' I have never said the pledge with these two words. It just seemed wrong even at 9 years of age. I cite this as a big event in my life because, every time I hear the pledge, it reminds me of how history can be rewritten and how vigilant we must remain to keep a separation between church and state."

There's something so uplifting and energizing about remembered history. Is it the element of the personal in the grand scheme of things? Or something we can mutually relate to and so share? I also think it's the wisdom of observation from the down-the-road, which adds depth to the here-and-now. Thanks so much for your shared thoughts, they made me grin all over!

Your Conversation for April:

With Spring coming on my thoughts are turning to good books and warm sun--an afternoon with a book in the park, a book over morning coffee, a book on a fun vacation. So how about sharing your recommendations for a good read with the community. It will be like a virtual book fair for our next newsletter!

Send your responses to Lisa at HumanistsofUtah.org for next month's newsletter. The deadline is April 27.

--Lisa Miller