It happened on a cold December night.
At Babyland General® Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia, of all
places! This birthplace of the famous Cabbage Patch Kids ® was
hosting a promotional event for the U. S. Marine Corps’ Annual
Toys for Tots ®.
Fun activities were in full swing, everywhere a festive atmosphere.
Inside the white frame building, youngsters watched with eyes wide
as uniformed “nurses” in the cabbage patch “delivered”
cloth babies.
Outside, where colorful, twinkling lights adorned every accessible
tree and shrub, exuberant volunteers manned hotdog stands, popcorn
machines, and hot chocolate dispensers, while excited children awaited
the arrival of the High School band escorting a horse-drawn wagon
bearing Santa Claus!
Singing groups gathered on the makeshift stage under a marquee of
bare-limbed oaks, their “Silent Nights” and “Up
on the Housetops” wafting along the winter breezes.
Listening to the Toys for Tots Singers, I stood next to our area
Marine recruiter. The young sergeant was the picture of a proud
Marine—shoulders back, chest out. Wearing dress blues, white
cover positioned squarely on his head, the sergeant’s black
shoes were shined so brightly they mirrored the colorful, twinkling
lights.
From out of the milling crowd appeared a young man with his daughter—she
must have been about five. “Pardon me, Sergeant,” he
said. “May my little girl have a word with you?”
Appearing somewhat taken aback, the Marine nodded “yes.”
Whereupon the child, with great dignity, walked around to face him.
Drawing herself up to full height, possibly 2 ½ feet, she
fixed her gaze upon the ribbons on his chest, placed her right hand
over her heart and, with utmost solemnity, began, “I pledge
allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…”
The sergeant quietly shifted position from At Ease to Attention
while, in a clear small voice, the little one recited the Pledge
to its conclusion, “one nation, under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all.”
The Marine’s trained-to-be-tough features never flinched.
But as a light beam caught his face, I detected something in his
eye that wanted to be a tear. I know, because I choked down one
myself.
For to that dear child, the young Marine sergeant was America. And
how fitting. Because, indeed, a Marine—like America itself—is
a tough fighter if necessary. But when allowed, each has a considerate,
tender heart.
Whether it’s gathering toys for needy children at Christmas,
or airdropping food to the enemy in the midst of war, Americans
much prefer a kinder, gentler role. Yet, they stand ever ready to
do whatever is necessary to defend their way of life—their
freedom.
At Babyland General that cold December night, I saw America at its
finest. In the Marine serving his country. In the little girl showing
respect. In everyday people giving their time and resources, wanting
nothing more than for children everywhere to have a happy Christmas.
America—standing tall.
My America.
One nation, under God.
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©2005, Gloria Cassity Stargel |
