If you’re a fan or a supporter of changing AMERICA’s name, don’t read this . . .

Lee Greenwood didn’t write and sing God Bless ‘Merica.  No, he wrote and sang God Bless AMERICA! We are the U.S.A and are not the U.S.M. What is the problem with an extra syllable to keep our country with the name it was founded under- United States of America? And what set me off this time – A flyer giving out the dress up days for Marianna High School’s homecoming. The very first day, MONDAY, this past Monday to be exact, was ‘Merica Day and students were to were red, white and blue. Last time I was a student in school, you were the red, white and blue proudly on any patriotic holiday celebrating or in remembrance of something to do with the United States of America.

Last month we celebrated Labor Day. Government offices were closed, many businesses closed to give their employees time to celebrate and enjoy the day, celebrating the opportunity for having worked the past year. To say, it’s been a challenging time is an understatement. Businesses all over are struggling for employees to show up for work, to do their jobs and allow the business to remain open. People’s patience has worn thin and those employees who have been dedicated and reported to work as scheduled with many working overtime when requested are taking the blunt of those frustrations.

Next month, we will celebrate Veteran’s Day and if all works out well, there will be a big parade and a grand marshal of all grand marshals to lead it off. There is a commitment of one general who will be riding in the parade and if all goes well, another general will be in the same vehicle. Two generals from Jackson County in the 2025 Veteran’s Day Parade – who would have thought it. If you haven’t heard, put it on your calendar, November 11, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. in downtown Marianna.

This year, just one week later, Americans across the country paused, remembered and prayed for the victims of 9-11. September 11, 2001 should forever remain in the hearts and minds of every American citizen. That day, 2,977 people were killed in what remains the deadliest attacks in American history. On November 11, American citizens will observe Veteran’s Day. That is a day set aside to celebrate the ending of World War I fighting at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918, (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This was originally Armistice Day. On the last Monday in May, Americans observe Memorial Day which is a day of remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price when protecting Americans and the United States.

NO WHERE in any of those days did you see Merica or Merican.  Why has society in all their infinite wisdom decided it was okay to dumb down our society. It’s okay if children do not learn the 50 states and capitals because “they can google it”. Please people, stop the madness. History is the core to everything. Every part of history – we learn from our mistakes, the mistakes of our forefathers and we move forward. We make every effort to amend the wrongs and set the standards high for future generations.

I can remember being in elementary school (and it’s true I’m not clear on what I did last week) and we celebrated holidays – not to the extent that is done today but with so many awesome memories. In second grade, I had Mrs. Ferrell and she had the most creative activities. February at that time was President’s month and she had a different president every day for us to study and learn about what his contributions were while he was in office. We made the coolest silhouettes of each one and of course the best one was Honest Abe because of his height and his hat and of course who could forget William Howard Taft and his ‘special bathtub’ to accommodate his size.

Sadly, from what I hear President’s ‘Month’ is no longer celebrated. We celebrate Black History Month and that is something well deserved and important also. I don’t know who decides what months will be what, but I wish they would be more cautious in their choices sometimes. I see so many months representing multiple issues. This is to the point that I am not so sure we shouldn’t go to weeks, rather than months to bring attention to matters of importance.

I’m the last person to say I’d be happy without my cell phone, I use it daily, hourly and minutely. HOWEVER, I still want face-to-face verbal conversation. I still want knowledge. Heck, I still want to read books that I hold, not that are ‘read’ to me or that I read on a computer screen. There is just something about a book that is special to me. A lady I admired (and was a little afraid of while I was in school) is a frequent visitor at the Times. Mrs. Nadine Standland could easily qualify as a walking encyclopedia and I think I’d get a second on that from Tut if she were still with us. I learn so much from her on every visit whether it is a two- or three-minute meeting or a longer visit. Now, does Mrs. Standland google her info – you can bet your last bottom dollar she does not. She has it all stored on what would be the equivalent of one terabyte of information without a shadow of a doubt. I find myself in awe of all of her knowledge.

Do yourself a favor, read in front of your children, say the pledge of allegiance to the USA Flag in front of your children, pray in front of your children – actions speak volumes over words and that’s all from Prissie this week.