248 Years Old

When I was told that I would be spending an entire month in Virginia, I had a meltdown. Afterall, it was going to be in July, and this would turn my vibrant social life into a nothing life. I sulked, argued, begged, attempted negotiations, anything I could think of to get out of having my summer ruined. My parents wouldn’t budge. It was 1976 and the nation was planning a big celebration for our bicentennial. My Uncle lived in Virginia and was stationed at the Pentagon. It would be a perfect base camp for us. The day we left I wasn’t speaking to them. When we landed at the Dulles International Airport, we discovered that the super-sonic Concorde would be landing soon. My mother found a great spot to watch it and signaled for me to join her. I refused. I sat away from the crowd arms and legs crossed with a scowl on my face. My mother ignored my silent protest and continued to beckon to me until it was less embarrassing to just go stand by her than to be part of the scene she was creating on my behalf. Not going to lie, it was pretty cool seeing it land, although I don’t think to this day I’ve ever admitted that to her.

On July 3, 1976 we drove into Washington DC for the Constitution Avenue Parade. It was amazing. Vice President Rockefeller started off the procession of famous people such as Johnny Cash and Telly Savalas. I find it funny now that the person who stands out the most in my parade memory is Kentucky Fried…