Embracing Life
True Colors
Fall festivities were in full swing the day I cast my ballot. Carved pumpkins sat on front porches, while spider webs swayed in the damp breeze and "The Woman in Black" played at The Hippodrome State Theater. Black and orange symbols of Halloween displayed on houses and businesses along my route to the voting precinct reminded me of a time when trick-or-treating was a safe activity. Kids could dress in costumes of circus clowns or cowboys and visit neighborhoods without parents worrying about their safety. In today's world, fears of tainted candy prevent many children from eating sweet treats to their hearts' content. Traditions and routines are constantly changing in America.
Reality returned when I parked, entered the precinct and waited for a voting booth. The colors of orange and blue dominated the scene. The University of Florida parade, scheduled to begin in an hour, would temporarily take precedence over the worries of economic gloom and foreign wars. Members of the Gator Nation proudly wore hats and T-shirts to show spirit for their beloved university.
On that historic day, the electrifying energy exuded at the Millhopper Branch Library was extraordinary. Alachua County residents were proud of their football team and unified by an even greater purpose - early voting. Conversations ensued among strangers that began by predicting the outcome of the game to forecasting the results of the election. The individuals who gathered on that rainy Friday morning of Gator Homecoming helped to change the course of history. The Oct. 25, 2008 edition of The Gainesville Sun reported, "Friday's voting marked the first time more than 4,000 early votes had been cast in one day in Alachua County."
As I engaged in the privilege of voting, a friend's son was returning from a tour of duty in Iraq. Soldiers like Jimmy Riley serve to defend freedom. Terry's anxious anticipation of her child's safe journey home brought chill bumps to my soul. Families of our military personnel supply support to their loved ones and surrender to faith until they return. Perhaps a time will come when world peace prevails and war is not necessary.
Both major political parties made statements of positive progress. Democrats chose a presidential candidate of African-American descent, and Republicans selected a female running mate for vice president. Americans embraced patriotism during this election. The last time I felt this level of unity was after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Loyalty, this time, was for a good cause.
As we exited the library and proudly displayed I VOTED stickers, there was a much-needed optimistic attitude permeating the atmosphere. The orange and blue colors worn by spirited fans seemed of secondary importance once that meaningful little sticky label adorned our attire. Inclement weather could not dampen the events planned for the weekend in Gainesville, nor darken the satisfaction of voting in an election that would transform the world, regardless of the outcome.
Political campaigning is finally over. As our new administration prepares for inauguration, the colors symbolic of Christmas adorn our churches, homes and malls. Many have turned their focus toward celebrating their religious roots and spending precious time with their loved ones. The calendar will quickly turn to 2009. We will soon store our red ribbons and green garnishments, watch the Super Bowl and make New Year's resolutions.
The continuous cycle of colors fading from one season to the next will begin again. Three true colors remain resolute year-round - red, white and blue. Regardless of our religious beliefs, skin pigments or political affiliations, the stars and stripes of our flag represent us all. Generations have sacrificed for more than 200 years to keep the symbol of our nation's strength soaring. Red stands for hardiness and valor. White symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Our nation has evolved since Betsy Ross sewed the first flag in 1776. While Ross earned the distinctive honor of recognition in history books, all Americans have played a role in our nation's growth. The names Donna Bonnell and Jimmy or Terry Riley will not be included in future textbooks for our actions on Oct. 24, 2008, but we clearly made history on an unforgettable overcast morning. §
Donna Bonnell is a writer in Newberry. She may be contacted at Donna@towerpublications.
