Mark’s Musings – May 21, 2014

Mark Fortune

You never quite know what the weather will be at Relay time. But regardless of the weather one thing is certain. The people of Coshocton County will come out in force to support this worthy cause. 2014 was no exception and despite cooler temperatures, rain and wind, they did. Overall this year’s Relay for Life raised nearly $100,000 to help fund the fight against cancer. Many of the faces that walked the opening lap for survivors are the same – sadly, many of the faces are new – and tragically, some of the faces are missing, having lost their courageous fight. The purple shirts are why people relay in the first place. Sure, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire is fun, laughing with friends is more fun and watching the children support this cause is terrific. But in reality it is about the purple shirts and hope.

It was just over 40 years ago that the Supreme Court struck down classroom prayers and scripture readings, even if they were voluntary and even if students had the option of being excused. That’s why it was pretty special to see a very large group of River View seniors attend the Baccalaureate Service held Sunday evening, May 18. The event was organized and sponsored by the River View Ministerial Association and the guest speaker was Mr. Cabot Rae of NBC Channel 4 fame. Mr. Rae made no apologies for his remarks professing his faith and urging the students to find their faith. I am sure that if we tried hard enough – or not very hard at all – we could find locales where this is no longer welcomed even though it is quite permissible even according to the ACLU.

Is anyone else watching the AMC show, “Turn”? The series is about spies during the American Revolution with specific attention being given the Long island area. As I watch the show off and on – I have missed a few here and there – I wonder how we were victorious. After all, the upstart rebels were up against the world’s best army, the world’s finest navy and a military that was organized, well trained and prepared. Except that what they came up against was anything but. And that is perhaps one of the key reasons why Washington’s ragtag bunch of colonists and regular militia were ultimately successful.

I believe it is important to remember our deceased Veterans of wars and conflicts long past as well as more current this coming Memorial Day. Our country has sometimes turned a blind – even scornful eye – towards some of our Veterans’ with our modern day warriors being treated with more respect and honor than in times past. Now if we could repair some of the damage done by the Veteran’s Administration hospitals that are in the news we could allow our deceased men and women to truly rest in peace with the honor that they deserve. I am also confident that the vast majority of our nation’s VA facilities treat our Veterans with great compassion and the loving care that they earned.

Category: Mark's Musings