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A Man of Wisdom, Wit and Warmth
By J. Elliott Mead, Canaan
Many know David McCullough as writer, historian, lecturer and teacher, but I will always remember him for his command of language and his powerful presentation of knowledge. During his recent visit to our area, he spoke softly and sadly of his eyewitness account of our nation's tragedy on September 11 and stressed the importance, now more than ever, of remembering our country's history.
Mr. McCullough was in Washington at the time of the attack. He recalled the day, expressing delight in the warm summer weather and blue sky. It was a peaceful morning. He and his wife were having breakfast in their hotel near the White House when they heard news of the first plane slamming the World Trade Center. Then the second plane hit, and then another plane struck the Pentagon. Shocked by what was happening but eager to help, the couple raced ten blocks to the nearest hospital to give blood. The line, however, was long, and they were asked to return later. Back at the hotel, he watched the Pentagon burn from an upper-floor window. The manager asked him to pull his head inside because the snipers on top of the White House had him in view. Despite this terrifying incident, Mr. McCullough noticed how admirably the people reacted, banding together and helping one another.
I listened attentively to his every word, both as an educator and as an American citizen. What he had to say and how he said it illuminated the events and captivated the large audience. He said we must keep our heads and use our heads during this tragic time. "We have intelligence, we are disciplined, and we are the most inventive and creative society in history. We must marshal our brain power and work together."
Mr. McCullough also stressed how the attacks on our country will bring about a new generation of leaders. "And that is a good change—that new leaders emerge," he added. As with any major events throughout history, situations demand leadership. Mr. McCullough spoke about George Washington during the American Revolution. This young Virginian was appointed head of the Continental Army during the aftermath of Lexington and Concord. He had never before commanded anything larger than a regiment. But Washington understood the power and responsibility vested in him by Congress and soon became one of the most important figures in the war and later in the world. His natural leadership ability was recognized during the Revolution, as was that of John Adams, whose devotion to his country blazed a trail from the drafting of the Declaration of Independence to becoming the second President of the United States. Thomas Jefferson was another exceptional man who led and strengthened our country.
Mr. McCullough maintained the importance of education and high expectations to keep our nation's high standards. He mentioned a story about John Quincy Adams, son of John and Abigail. It seemed that John Quincy had great adoration for his own words, and people questioned his elevated opinion of himself. Abigail, however, wrote to her son and told him that after all the hard work and effort he and his parents had invested in his education, that "it would unpardonable for you to turn out a blockhead." Then Mr. McCullough proceeded to say how unpardonable it would be for any of us to turn out as blockheads with all that is offered to us in this day and age. And with these words he ended the night: "Enlarge the experience of life by enlarging the learning. Remember, the territory where it all begins is between the ears and the back of the eyes. And always remember, the end of good study makes a good person and useful citizen. On you go!"
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