Photo by Kyle Borne

Kyle's Corner 7/28

I was fortunate enough this past week to spend  eight days on the east coast for my summer vacation. My wife and I had never been to the east coast, and Washington D.C. was the base camp for our vacation. While there, we had the opportunity to spend time in Philadelphia and Annapolis, visit the Civil War battlefields in Manassas, Virginia and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. 

The trip was truly surreal for Katie and I. It was a neat opportunity to view the original Constitution, and the original Declaration of Independence at the Hall of Archives. Seeing the flag that flew over Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 that inspired the Star Spangled Banner was a very moving experience. Visiting all of the monuments on the National Mall and touring Arlington National Cemetery were also quite special. There is a type of somberness at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that is unparalleled to anything else that we have ever experienced. 

Visiting the Battlefield of First and Second Manassas was a spiritual experience. The importance that Manassas played in the Civil War takes you back in time and really allows for reflection about the hallowed grounds underneath.

We also visited George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Walking in the same footsteps as President Washington was very cool, and the history of the man really came to life. We also got to see Independence Hall and the other sights of historic Philadelphia that brought our founding fathers to life.

Experiencing the history was amazing, but personal reflection also brought some sadness. There have been books written on the inability to find another leader like George Washington, and that point could not be more true today. Our country lacks inspiring and true leadership that motivates us as people, to do more and aspire higher. 

Studying the past, however, does not have to bring that sadness. My hope is that future generations can be inspired by the founders and that we can continue to cultivate an atmosphere where inspiring leaders are born to lead us into a new century of hope and prosperity.

Visiting the east coast was also a new cultural experience. My parents and their family are from Missouri and I was born and raised in Texas. I went to college in Utah and subsequently was able to see most of the western states, but visiting the Mid Atlantic states offered a totally new perspective.

Growing up, anything above the Mason-Dixon line was essentially a foreign country. My experience interacting with all sorts of people really showed how much we truly have in common. There are too many forces that seek to divide, and our perceptions ultimately seem to divide us. That’s the main lesson I inferred about myself.

I also had the opportunity to check two more baseball stadiums off of my bucket list. I hope to eventually visit every market. The Washington Nationals game we went to turned out to be the longest game in franchise history. The Nationals lost 2-1 in 18 innings, essentially, it was two games for the price of one.

Later in the week, we got to go to a Philadelphia Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies hit well and won 4-1 over the Miami Marlins. National League baseball is a different breed, but it was fun to take in the different atmospheres. Citizens Bank Park had an awesome view of the Philadelphia skyline, and Nationals Park in Washington had the best sight-lines I have ever seen from an upper deck. They were both beautiful modern ballparks.

Traveling is good for the soul. We get to meet new people, try new foods and try new things. In the past I have had the mindset that I could see it all and do it all. Age and reality have shown that’s never the case, but I am sure going to try to see and do all that I can