Revolutionary Journey

When I was 17, I had the remarkable opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. with my high school. But I didn’t fully appreciate the experience; I was too young and immature. In fact, I clearly remember refusing to look at the White House as our tour bus traveled by because I was mad at someone on the bus. My small-mindedness cost me a magnificent memory and my supposed adversary never even knew I was angry.

Later when I was 32, the Declaration of Independence came to Phoenix on exhibit, but I still didn’t fully grasp its important historical significance. I was growing closer, but still not grown up. What a gloomy commentary.

Now at 45, visiting the Independence Hall replica at Knott’s Berry Farm feels like a reawakening of missed adolescent knowledge I could have fully entered in to. I experienced a deep sense of pride in our country and the astounding men and women who made it all possible.

My favorite part of the “Revolutionary Journey” has been reading Johnny Tremain. Esther Forbes’ novel grabbed me and captured my attention and made me feel as though I was really part of Massachusetts history. Abigail Adams letters were a fascinating glimpse into a marriage filled with sacrifice and forward thinking. She was a remarkable woman. Thomas Jefferson was an inspired writer and thinker, a true patriot. Though the original words of the declaration were edited time and again, I’m sure his flavor still shines through. The movies “Johnny Tremain” and “1776” were a fun visual stroll into the past. Finally, I agree with Firesign Theatre’s statement, "Benjamin Franklin....the only President of the United States who was never President of the United States."

The “Revolutionary Journey” has been a tremendous life affirming rite of passage for me. I’m able to appreciate our great country and the incredible sacrifice of those brave men and women who couldn’t know me but have shaped my future. I am so geared up to delve into the Civil War.