best image from election day.......

For me, the most pleasing and satisfying moment from election night was not seeing McCain give his gracious concession speech, nor was it the image of the stately and composed Obama as he spoke his first public words as President-elect. It was of the joyous assemblage in Grant Park, a crowd made up of people of every age, race, and description. It was heartwarming and emotional to watch as they sang and swayed together to the music coming over the loudspeakers, each person singing the words of the classic blues standard, "Sweet Home Chicago".

To me, that image spoke volumes about what much of America was feeling that night, and about us as a nation.

October 8, 1971, remembering friends

Today is October 8, and that means today is the anniversary of my separation from the US Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in 1971. That was truly one of the great days of my life.

Can it really be 37 years ago?

On that day at Fort Bragg, I had two friends with me that also separated from the Army, Dave Reed and Gerald Coley. Dave was from Pheonix, and Gerry was from a town near Chicago.

Later that day, we began a great adventure together by traveling to California. I don't know where they are, but today I hope they are well and remembering me on this important anniversary.

Dave Reed and Gerry Coley, I remember you.

Laudizen King