By Caroline Colarusso
Time and time again Americans have faced war, natural disasters and other catastrophes, and each time Americans have risen to the occasion. While we watch other countries mismanage and improperly care for its citizens America distinguishes itself as the nation of the people by the people and for the people.
Our history time and time again tells this same American story. Brave colonialists fought the oppression of the British crown by dumping tea in Boston Harbor which started the birth of a new nation. American was born out of struggle. To free southern slaves a long war between the states was fought to eliminate slavery in America once and for all. President Lincoln’s assassination in Ford’s Theatre shook our nation as the man who led the fight to end slavery was gone at a crucial moment in history, but Americans persevered and rebuilt a shattered nation.
In 1870 the 15th amendment prohibited states from denying the right to vote based on race, color or one’s previous history of enslavement. Fifty years later women gain equal voting rights. For nearly 10 years Americans suffered catastrophically but survived the Great Depression. Our nation entered World War ll to fight against the totalitarian and bitterly cruel Nazi and Japanese regimes. The Korean and the Vietnam Wars further placed difficult burdens on our country costing the lives of many thousands of our brave our servicemen and women. We remember the immortal words of President John F Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. “In 1963 the tragic assassination of President John F Kennedy once again shook our nation. Martin Luther King Jr. emerges a Christian Minister and civil rights leader striving tirelessly in a still unequal America standing for racial equality and as a result discrimination is outlawed.
A long Cold War with the Soviet Union existed until President Reagan declared it was time for this to end with the prophetic words: “Mr. Gorbachev tear down this wall.” The attempted assassination of President Reagan once again shook our nation. But America always bounces back, and before long the Soviet Union was consigned to the ashbin of history unable to compete with American productivity, enterprise, and ingenuity.
The September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center changed our nation like nothing before its time. An attack on American soil killing nearly 3000 Americans with American airliners in one hour. We were a devastated nation. But the American spirit of God, county and patriotism once again rose to the occasion. Churches were full with people, and we stood united against the evil fanatics who perpetrated this outrage. Destruction and devastation brought together Americans during hurricanes Katrina, Sandy and Maria.
The Coronavirus will be no different. Unlike some other countries, America will respond and rise to the occasion once again. We will take care of our people. We will manage this crisis with the best healthcare professionals and hospitals in the world. Our communities will do their part. Neighbors are helping one another. Have faith in God, have confidence in your country, believe in your fellow American. Once again America will lead the world and rise to the occasion as she always does. One nation under God, that is who we are.
The views in this column are my own. I can be reached by email at contactcarolineforinfo@gmail.com or by phone at (781)438-5720. Office hours will be by appointment.