Commentary
Parroting the remarks heard on CNN and MS Now that the 16-day American State Fair on the Mall in Washington DC leading up to the Fourth of July celebration was “all about Trump,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore took the opportunity to criticize the president’s patriotism as nationalism.
“Patriotism is not simply pride in what America has been. It’s taking ownership for what America can become,” Moore said, even though the president repeatedly speaks of America’s future saying,” the best is yet to become.” Isn’t it odd that Democrats oppose Trump’s America first agenda?
Despite the president’s goal of eliminating Iran’s nuclear threat and demanding the Strait of Hormuz be an international waterway, Moore felt the need to say of Trump’s effort, “Starting a war without a purpose is not patriotic.”
I watched a great deal of the fair coverage on Fox News Channel where its regular daily schedule of programing was done at the Mall. There were countless interviews with Americans who drove great distances to celebrate there and when they were asked to leave the grounds Saturday night, when lightening was seen nearby, thousands returned when the weather cleared to hear Trump and enjoy the entertainment during fireworks.
It’s a shame that Democrats allowed their hatred for Donald Trump and his call for patriotism despite the left’s lack of pride in their country as revealed in several surveys. Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, Rhode Island and Vermont were among those states choosing not to participate in what was billed as a non-political showcase for all the states.
The thousands of Americans who toured the various state booths learned about the products those states were famous for. And they saw an extraordinary air show on Saturday in Capital airspace not normally permitted.
Having worked numerous air shows during my career in the aerospace industry, I was in my glory watching the awesome Fourth of July flying demonstrations over New York, Washington DC and Mount Rushmore.
By my count, I worked 33 air shows, in Paris, Farnborough, Singapore, and Reading while employed by Sperry Flight Systems and Honeywell. Then there were the Armed Forces Day shows during my eight years in the Air Force.
I was duly impressed with the flight demonstration by the Marine Corps F-35B vertical takeoff and landing fighter, quite an improvement over the Harrier jet I recall seeing.
I’ve seen the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels perform several times, but this was the first time I’ve seen them fly in formation together.
After serving in the Strategic Air Command, I must admit a bit of nostalgia came over me when I saw the venerable B-52 Stratofortress flying in formation with the B1 and B2 bombers. Since its acceptance flight in 1952, there have been a number of modifications to the B-52, including new weapons carrying capability, new engines, and the updating of its avionics. Just prior to my 1965 discharge from the Air Force at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, I saw the first B-52 arrive for storage in the boneyard.
Although military aviation enlistments are already exceeding goals, there are a number of young men and women who are probably going to look into a military career after seeing Saturday’s demonstrations.
May patriotism extend throughout the nation’s birthday year and beyond.
