Happy Sunday everyone! As everyone is well aware of, we are less than one week away from celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Even though our Country is young compared to many others, there’s no doubt we’ve come a long way in 250 years. We Americans should be proud of our homeland, and even though our Country has had it’s dark moments (like almost every other nation), I still can’t think of any place I would rather call home. Now, while the World Cup and soccer/football isn’t particularly popular in the US, it is very interesting to see how the rest of the world is getting an eye-opening experience – and I mean that in the best way possible. What we are seeing on social media and other news outlets is an outpouring of American hospitality and the welcoming nature of who we are as Americans. It’s so very refreshing to see the true America in the spotlight, the one that we see in the US heartland every day. I have enjoyed seeing so many visitors from different Countries experience America for themselves instead of relying on someone else’s perception of it, and I will honestly be sad when the World Cup is over even though I haven’t watched a single minute of a game. People from all over the world are getting to experience the everyday kindness and hospitality that so many Americans show without expecting one ounce of recognition for it. For me, the best part of all of this is that so many people are recognizing that we as a population can be defined by so much more than what is seen crawling around Washington D.C. I may not always agree with everything that has happened in D.C. over the last decade or so, but I’m here to tell you that not once have I let any of that decide who I am as a person, nor have I ever felt ashamed of my Country.
There is nothing wrong with being proud of where you’re from.
That’s enough heavy stuff, so let’s talk about Fulton County’s history! We aren’t nearly as old as the Country, we’re only 190 years old. Fulton County was established in 1836 and named in honor of Robert Fulton, a true American born in Pennsylvania on November 14, 1765. He has been credited with the invention of the steamboat and was also an artist. Most of the original settlers of Fulton County were from New England. Fulton County also has a few notable citizens, including Elmo Lincoln who was the original Tarzan, Former Indiana Governor and United States HHS Secretary Otis Bowen (who was the first governor in Indiana history to serve 8 consecutive years), and Ray Mowe who played shortstop for the Brooklyn Superbras (later renamed to the Brooklyn Dodgers) in 1913.
Fulton County isn’t just defined by the notable citizens – it’s defined by all of it’s citizens, and I can’t think of another place that I would like to call home. History remembers the famous names, but communities are built by regular people. They’re built by farmers, teachers, first responders, blue collar workers, business owners, volunteers, parents, and neighbors who quietly work towards making Fulton County a better place every day. Even though the history of Fulton County may not seem as significant as the history of our Country, that’s the history that all of us are helping to write for our County right now and it matters more than we may know.
Make sure you take time to enjoy the long weekend, I’m thankful to call the United States home, and I hope all of us can take a moment this week to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities we often take for granted. There are lots of great fireworks in our area, so enjoy your weekend and be safe!!