Memorial Day: what a time to be in NYC. It is the starting point for so many things. Its Fleet Week in the city, many service men and women enjoying respite from their enormous responsibility. They are walking through what is probably the catalyst for their enlistment, the ember that ignited the passion to want to defend this great country, and walk among those they protect. Enjoy your time off Boys and Girls! And, thank you for all that you do!
Touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; it is another starting point, a beacon that brought so many people so many miles from so many places. The statue is a monument to both problems and profitability for the United States; a two way street of progress and disparity. I believe that while some of the actions of those involved in the immigration process of this establishing country might have been harsh, uncomfortable, and degrading, we would not be the country we are today. We cannot correct the mistakes of the past, hind sight is always 20/20, and no one likes a Monday morning quarterback. Instead we can learn from those mistakes and improve our foresight so that we do not repeat what has happened.
There is no doubt that the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island hold a special significance on Memorial Day. To be there, standing at this country’s symbol of freedom, on a day where we remember those who fight and die to protect that freedom, and how important that freedom was to the immigrants of then, and how precious it is to us now.
On a final note of freedom: Liberty Island is probably the most secure place here in New York. The prevention measures they have taken to secure the island are quite remarkable. And even though it is incredibly invasive they are a model of efficiency. I would like to give a big shout-out to Brad and Dr. Cappell for almost getting all of us arrested and sent to Guantanamo Bay; that would have been a good group shot!
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