January 20, 2009 will always be remembered as the day when the “audacity of hope” became a reality for what is considered to be the best country in the free world. The inauguration of President Barack H. Obama was a huge milestone and accomplishment for the United States of America, and this presentation to the world is indicative of the progress we’ve made in America. I’ve ALMOST been brought to tears experiencing this historical moment as it unfolds. I have to admit, I was one of those individuals, back in 2007, who didn’t think the timing was right for Obama to step out and declare his candidacy.
President Obama’s “audacity of hope” for change in the U.S. has reverberated around the world. Now young black kids can actually believe they can be President because they can now look in the history books and see that someone who looks like them indeed held that position in the Oval Office.
President Obama’s trek to the White House is inspirational to all. So much so, the lone African Iraqis have drawn inspiration from his journey and decided to take their inspiration to the provincial elections as political candidates in the Basrah Province of Iraq. As we celebrate the freedom and realities of actually having the first Black President, African Iraqis are celebrating the idea and possibilities of running in the provincial elections for their respective province.
Someone once said “we are like dwarfs on the shoulders of giants, so that we can see more than they, and things at a greater distance, not by virtue of any sharpness of sight on our part, or any physical distinction, but because we are carried high and raised up by their giant size.“
President Obama is definitely that giant for us because now we all can see much farther. Many moons ahead of our own existence, the way was made straight for us by the likes of so many who had foresight to make sacrifices that would benefit all of us. We’re all able to see our bright future because someone saw to it to make sure we had a better life than they experienced.
We salute those giants who came before us, but today as we celebrate the close of another Black History Month, let’s not dwell on what has gone wrong. Let us all try to become those giants so generations to follow can stand on our shoulders and see what the world has to offer.
(African Iraqis: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2009-01-18-iraqobama_N.htm)
Sunday, 1. March 2009
Everyone should visit the Civil Right Museum here in Birmingham and the Dr. King center in Atlanta. Both are very moving experiences. I was honored to spend some quiet moments at the gravesite of Dr. King. We do have a lot to be thankful in this Country.
Sunday, 1. March 2009
LT. Brimley,
I just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed spending time with your brothers, Mom & Dad, and wonderful grandmother at the last Family Readiness Dinner. My husband Joey and I really had fun talking with them and commented to each other what a fine family you are from. What fine example you are to the young men out there and in need of a role model. Look after our son Craig, and our prayers are there with you!