Age 100 – Challenges of Living to Age 100

CHALLENGES OF LIVING TO AGE 100 – Patriotism
by Ed Baronowski

During the Spring through Fall months, we celebrate a number of national holidays that are directly related to patriotism—Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Patriot Day, and Veteran’s Day.   Many of our readers remember their personal involvement in keeping our country strong and free.

Whom do you see marching in community parades and other commemorative events?

Yes, old timers--gray haired patriots--proudly wearing VFW caps and old uniforms.   They fought the good fight; they survived, and they remember why they served their country.  Along the parade routes, you often see older citizens outnumber the young families.  At the last Memorial Day parade in downtown Melbourne, a 104-year old man got out of his chair and expressed thanks to the Knights of Columbus Color Corps for their participation. 

Patriots love their country and zealously support its authority, its principles, its laws and its interests.  As I continue to study and observe the people who live a long life, I find they feel strongly about the United States of America.  Both men and women, in their own special way, foster the principles of a democracy.   They are involved in the process, they write to their members of Congress and state legislature.   They are speaking up at town meetings and open forums.  They support the returning veterans.

As part of the balanced life approach, centenarians not only sing the patriotic songs, they know the meaning and the background.  They hold patriotism--a love of country--in their hearts, minds, and souls along with their love of God.   Most of them share their patriotic zeal with members of their family.  They encourage grandchildren to participate in the scouting programs, community service, military service, and patriotic organizations.  They serve as role models.  Further, they represent a critical voting block in local and national elections.

As we watch the young men and women who serve throughout the world today, they strongly emulate the patriots of years gone by.  They have strong feelings about doing what is right, along with a willingness to count blessings after observing what is happening in other parts of the world.  The patriot’s positive attitude and outlook focuses on working to make a better world.  A desire for freedom, justice and equality propels people of all ages forward for a long life.

Ed Baranowski is President of TOPICS UNLIMITED, a Melbourne-based education, seminar and consulting company.  He can be reached at topicsed@aol.com