Happy Birthday to our country
The 4th of July is meaningful for me for many reasons. This post is dedicated to the symbolism that many of us grew up with about today, and a bit of my family story that connects me to this day.
Some of you know my family story/history of my Mother and Father. Without going into a ton of details here are some of the highlights. My father came to America as George Panagiotopouls*, on a boat by himself at age 14 from his home country of Greece. My dad arrived at Ellis Island, met by his aunt and uncle and eventually was adopted by them. On his first day, he met my mother Sophie Prodromos, whose parents were born in Greece. My parents were friends through successful years in public school and through their involvement with the Greek Orthodox Church. The church supported and provided opportunities for the young people in the community. My parents married on July 4, 1942 without my grandfather’s* approval, and one week later my Dad left to fight in WWII for 3 years.
My parents were completely dedicated to the war effort. My Dad was part of the First Division, the Big Red One, and fought in Africa, Sicily, landing on the beach in Normandy, north through France, the Battle of the Bulge and into Germany where he was wounded. He was a Forward Observer. My Mother was a ‘Gray Lady’* during this time. My Father returned home, a hero of the Greek community, decorated with many medals. He was accepted by family and he and my mother went on to serve both the Greek and greater community in multiple ways. Throughout their lives they had an incredible work ethic, a zest and appreciation for life, and what I describe as ‘ideal citizens’. They were committed to the USA, proud and appreciative Greek Americans, part of the Greatest Generation.
My 3 siblings and I grew up in a loving environment encouraged to be our best selves. I am the youngest of four. My Mother wanted me to have my own special day and shared the story that she waited until five minutes after minute to give birth. I was born on July 5th. Every 4th of July we’d celebrate by having a big gathering in the backyard of an amazing home. The cake always read: “Happy Anniversary George and Sophie, Happy Birthday Argy”. I remember feeling very special to share the day, year after year, with my parents and all the friends and family who had gathered.
While I was in college musician Melissa Manchester came to my campus (Glassboro State College, now Rowan University) to perform. Over the next several years I fell in love with her music and went to several of her concerts. A few years back she performed at the Chocolate Church in Bath. I realized that her status and music had changed. It was very special to hear her again in concert. When I was considering what to include in today’s blog post I did a google search and what did I find, but a YouTube video that captures some of my thoughts. In the music video below Melissa Manchester sings an earlier hit “Just you and I” in a Labor Day tribute (2020) to the essential workers and first responders who helped us through the coronavirus. Accompanying her is singer/songwriter saxophonist Gerald Albright and singers from Citrus College. I especially love the images in the video and the involvement of the Citrus College singers. Beautiful!
I am reminded of where we were three years ago, how far we’ve come past the pandemic. I am saddened by the political turmoil in our country. My parents story reminds me of the importance of taking action and not sitting back and just talking about it. Wherever you are today, whatever your beliefs, I hope it is a day filled with love and hope for the future of our country and that you are taking positive action.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Mead
*After my father was adopted by his aunt Mary and uncle Charles his name was changed to George Nestor. Charles had changed his years earlier. Nestor is a Greek first name (King of Pylos).
*So the story as I understand it… my mother’s father felt that since my father was an emigrant that he wasn’t good enough for my mother. So interesting since Prodromou Prodromos was an emigrant himself.
*For many years ‘Gray Ladies’ provided services of a non-medial nature to sick, injured and disabled patients.
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