A Time to Reflect

Posted by Harry Hertz, the Baldrige Cheermudgeon

I am a cheerleader for all that is good about our great country! I still get chills at patriotic events. The Baldrige Award ceremony always brings a lump in my throat, as we celebrate the best our country has to offer and the successes of our free enterprise system at its finest. I am proud to be a first generation American. My parents were in love with their new country and were awed by the melting pot of nations that made us great. I have visited countries around the globe and even had the opportunity to live abroad for two years. There is no country like ours, no diversity like ours, no tolerance like ours, no creativity like ours, and no spirit like ours. Yet, as we face new challenges, I worry about our stamina and will, and our future potential for greatness. All these thoughts mingle, as we prepare to celebrate another year of our vibrant democracy on July 4, 2010.

It all came to light again this last weekend, when my wife and I entertained a friend from India and went to many of the Washington, D.C. landmarks. Two in particular brought these thoughts to mind: Ford's Theater and Arlington Cemetery. Ford's Theater, where Lincoln was assassinated, reminded me of the orderly transition of power after Presidential tragedies; transitions we have unfortunately experienced too often in our history. But it has always been accomplished with dignity, peace, and continuity in leadership. In light of our current challenges, I was particularly impressed by this quote I came across from Lincoln, written for very different challenges: "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew."

At Arlington Cemetery we visited John F. Kennedy's grave site. The simplicity and serenity, combined with an eternal flame (of hope) and with a view straight across the Potomac to the Lincoln Memorial reminded me that we are truly privileged to live in the United States. Kennedy said: "To whom much is given, much is required."  This has been the practice of Baldrige Award recipients since the first year of the Program, to share what's best with others across our country, so that they too may strive for excellence in our nation. This is also the practice of the staff of the Baldrige Program and our hundreds of volunteers giving continuously to our country.

I am proud to be the son of immigrants, born to parents who came to this country impoverished and beaten down. I think of that each July 4th as we commemorate our freedom and once again accept a challenge to greatness. A peaceful and happy July 4th to all of you!

Comments

[Julia Gabaldon]

Harry,
Thank you for sharing your "reflection." We're blessed to live in this great country and blessed to be part of the Baldrige Community. Happy July 4th to you and your team!
Julia Gabaldon

[Suzanne]

Thank you for sharing your reflections. I remember being in Austria, now many years ago, when "America" was sung, with tears trickling down my face because I was so deeply moved. I tend not to stop and remember, in the frustrations of the day/week/month, just how blessed we are to live in this democracy and country of free enterprise. Yes, we can improve. Yes our systems need improvement and alignment, and yet, there's nowhere else I'd rather be. Happy Independence Day to you!