Hi from Rick: Happy 250th, America!
I've spent most of the last 50 summers in Europe, happily filling up notebooks with pages of scribbled notes. And I'm generally celebrating the Fourth of July alone in some offbeat European corner. (I remember way back in the 1970s, when I traveled with a little wooden flute-like recorder, bouncing on my bed a little bit homesick while tooting "Yankee Doodle.") But this year, on America's 250th birthday, I'm home-sweet-home…and glad to be here.
Some of my happiest childhood memories are summertime moments: chasing shade and guppies in the creek next to our house, playing flag football in the neighborhood park, and watching the Fourth of July parade in my hometown. As a patriot, I've always been grateful for the opportunity this holiday gives Americans to celebrate our nation.
People often ask me (especially in the last few years) if I'd ever move to Europe — and the answer is always a firm "No way! I belong right here." All my travels have taught me how blessed, as Americans, we are — and how grateful our global neighbors are for all the good we've done. Lately the thought of me bailing on America just seems unpatriotic and cowardly.
Once I was in Burgundy, France, filming an episode for my TV show. When my crew and I arrived at Château de la Rochepot, the owners — the proudly French Carnot family — announced they had a special treat for us. They popped open a bottle of fine wine and their two daughters brought out — as if presenting some kind of precious religious relic — a huge 48-star American flag.
"This is what we flew on the day American troops liberated us from Nazi tyranny in 1945," Madame Carnot said, her accent thick but her words clear. "And to this day, we love our American guests."
The Carnots are just one example of how travel has taught me that the world is thankful for America…and looks to America for leadership. But my recent travels have also taught me to appreciate the fragility of our democracy and how much we must take good care of it — not just for the sake of our children but for the sake of the entire world. The last couple of years — with our contentious political climate, aggressive "America first" attitude, and ad-lib we-win-you-lose approach our country is taking to foreign relations — have been stressful, both for many Americans and for our friends overseas. As a businessman, my "art of the deal" has long been to find win-win solutions and the notion that with a steady long-term relationship, being someone else's "cash cow" is actually good for my bottom line. (Perhaps, I should write a book.)
There's plenty to say and do about the plight of America's standing in the family of nations, especially in an election year, when we can vote for candidates who represent our values as travelers who strive to be good global citizens. But this Fourth of July, I'm taking a moment to push my imagination beyond our present circumstances, to the positive role that the US has played, and can continue to play, on the world stage.
That's because "America" is bigger than any policy or president or single triumph. America is an ideal: an inspiration (hopefully embodied by my homeland) that defends the unalienable rights of freedom and dignity for all, where we can reach for the stars with our dreams and embrace life with gusto. It's an embrace of the reality that even if you're motivated only by greed, if you know what's good for you, you don't want to be filthy rich in a desperate world…it's just not a nice place to leave to your children.
A strong nation, foundational institutions, and well-ordered communities — where all can reasonably hope to prosper — don't just happen. They're the legacy of people who have contributed mightily to our society: heroes, leaders, and principled Americans in big and small places — all the people who, for centuries, have woven the fabric of our remarkable society…those who've made America so great.
So, wherever we travelers are in the world today, let's rise above the maddening headlines and celebrate what America truly means. Let's celebrate the societal ideal of embracing democracy and good governance. And let's celebrate the importance of a community that takes care of its neighbors.
And as we celebrate the ideal of America, let's keep in mind that, while the world may look on with a little trepidation right now, it longs for a strong and principled America that will be the global leader that this planet needs. To me, that 48-star US flag at a French château is a reminder of this…Americans are still warmly welcomed throughout Europe. And it's an encouraging symbol that I choose to keep close to my heart on this Fourth of July.
In this month's Travel News, we'll visit our British cousins for a tour of London; join the Palio, Italy's world-famous horse race (happening today, July 2, in Siena); and give you insider tips on how to avoid lines and crowds in Europe. And Cameron Hewitt writes about the charms and quirks of the USA in a letter to our international World Cup visitors.
On the 250th Independence Day, whether we're rich or poor, gay or straight, white or Black, young or old, left or right…it's my hope and prayer that we can come together as Americans in the spirit of engaged patriotism and caring citizenship — local, national, and global citizenship — based on the ideals upon which our nation was founded.
Happy Fourth of July!
Rick