National Pride

Tomorrow is Labor Day here in Turkey. It will be a day marked by parades, parties, patriotism, and protest. Coming from our U.S. upbringing it is surprising to see that other nations, other countries value their heritage as much as we do ours. I do not know why that surprised us...it shouldn't.
Today I saw old men weep as their Air Force flew overhead...they shouted to the sky..."Long Live Turkey...Long Live The Turkish People". They were not ashamed to stand in reverence and respect for their flag, for their leaders, and for their heritage. They love their country.
I hope you catch the "heart" in all of this...we are not the only nation on earth that is worthy of respect or of honor. Today we saw a people turn out in force to celebrate their heritage. When you study the history of the East...you find that their story runs deep. Much deeper than our 300 years.
What a great place to be at such a great time. What an incredible lesson to us and our children that we are not the only people that matter on this Earth. That there are many voices that deserve to be heard.
I will never forget standing at Ground Zero in the hours after the Towers fell. I remember hearing the leaders of other nations repeat this phrase: Today we are not English, or French, or Turkish...Today we are all Americans".
Today...I stood as a Turk.

















(pics from Google Images)