For me, the Fourth celebration in Edgartown was a great day with a bad ending.
For me, the Fourth celebration in Edgartown was a great day with a bad ending. I schmoozed with friends and fellow veterans and paraded with two fellow veterans in my open Jeep — a very emotional feeling for me, and according to many fellow veterans, too. After some food, with friends we chatted and watched the fireworks from the lawn at the Federated parish house. After “good nights and what a great day,” I walked to my car and headed for home off the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road.
Upon reaching my street turnoff, I noticed some bikers and slowed down as I turned into my street. Some guy who had been driving very close on my car, screamed out something about my driving slowness that ended with an unprintable remark. Sadly, so ended a day of joy and tribute to our great country. I must admit that the incident really upset me. It still hurts as I write this.
However, the incident reminded me of how a Jewish wedding ends. A glass is placed on the floor and the groom or the bride and groom smash the glass or glasses and everyone shouts, “mazel tov” (good luck) completing the wedding ceremony.
There are many suggestions about the symbolism of the breaking of the glass. Basically, though, the symbolic act of breaking the glass reminds the couple that the joy of their marriage also has some adversity. Another suggestion symbolizes what is broken in our society.
Hence, I’m reminded that we are a country where we have — to name a movie — The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. However, I emphasize the good as per the good, actually the beauty, of this Fourth communal celebration, while fighting the bad and ugly as an ongoing personal responsibility.
Herb Foster
Edgartown
Comments
Sorry your day ended on such
thomas dresser Oak BluffsSorry your day ended on such a sour note, Mr. Foster.
However, you found a positive aspect to be gained from the negative experience.
Mr. Foster, thank you for
deshandra brown EdgMr. Foster, thank you for your service. To take such offense at a remark from some inconsiderate stranger and bother to write a letter to the editor is perplexing. Perhaps the next time a 'salute' with the international sign language (middle finger) would be more appropriate, and immediately and easily comprehended by the other driver.
Dear Mr. Foster,
george singfield bethpage, n.y.Dear Mr. Foster,
I though you were a tough ole bird. You toughed out basic training and the N.Y. 600 schools. Be Cool Man.
I read the unexpurgated
George Siegel Lake Worth, FLI read the unexpurgated version, and wasn't quite as upset as Herb was. We've all heard worse, but the setting does make a difference. But there's sensitivity about Herb that makes me glad
I wasn't in the Jeep with him. Now that really would have spoiled my day!
Happy Fourth- the sentiment still does bring tears to my eyes.
Obviously, that driver was
Jane Norton ChilmarkObviously, that driver was never stuck behind the legendary Chester C. Vincent, or he'd have imploded from his own impatience. Thank you for your service, Mr. Foster, and thanks for driving safely and mindfully of others on the road.
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