December 30, 1999

Adios 20^th Century, Hello 21^st Century!

The 20^th Century will close in a few more hours and the 21^st Century will begin. As we look back we recognize that there have been good moments and some that probably should be consigned to the dustbin of history. Without a doubt the 20^th century saw some of the greatest scientific and technological advances since Homo Sapiens first stepped out of his cave.

At first there is a desire to try and encompass all that has occurred in the last 100 years. But, it is an impossible task within the short confines of an editorial. As one who first saw the light of day in the first quarter of the 20^th Century, 1927 to be exact, I have been witnessed to and a participant in some of the momentous events that marked the 20^th Century. Painting with a broad brush, the following stand out:

One of the defining periods of the 20^th Century in America, was the quantum leap into the scientific and technological era. We swiftly went from a labor intensive Farming/Ranching society into the modern era. We went from the horse and buggy stage to manned space flight.

We saw the enormous growth in population and we met the challenge to care, feed, and sustain this growth. Yet, another attribute of our growing scientific knowledge and its applications.

Our people demonstrated the strength, determination, and will to fight wars of aggression as well as wars of our own making within our own boundaries to define who and what America would become. Americans willingly laid their lives down in defense of freedom, liberty, and justice and their beliefs.

The 20 Century established the will and ability of Americans to fight poverty, be generous with those countries less fortunate, of being compassionate, and charitable, to extend a helping hand, provide financial help to distraught nations… All hallmarks of a maturing nation.

The 20^th Century moved America from a limited Christian nation into one that established the right of all persons, to have freedom of religion. In the process established, in the eyes of the world, our tolerance to all manner of religious worship in our country.

These were some of the major defining moments of the 20^th Century. There were many more that probably should be listed here. But these were the ones that I remember. May the citizens of the 21^st Century do as well.

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