It’s good to remember
I am in Washington, DC this week, joining several Alameda County Transportation Commission members and staff to lobby for federal funds for our county’s transit systems, roads, and local streets. While here, I squeezed in an inspiring bike ride (I’m a Capital Bikeshare fan!) that took me past the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials and the Washington Monument—stately and reassuring reminders of three presidents who helped shape our nation, and guided it through challenging times, in order to form a more perfect union—a quest that is not finished, but continues to this day.
I visited the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial on Theodore Roosevelt Island which the National Park Service describes as, “a tribute to the vision of our 26th President [whose] passion for the earth’s natural places and foresight in planning for their preservation contributed to the conservation legacy we treasure today.” During Roosevelt’s Presidency, from 1901 to 1909, the federal government expanded its role, conserving our nation’s resources by providing protection for nearly 230 million acres of land. President Roosevelt created 18 national monuments (including Lassen Volcanic and Muir Woods in California), five national parks, 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reservations, and four national game reserves. He also established the United States Forest Service. Similar to Presidents Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln, President Roosevelt endeavored to create a better America for present and future generations.
A wall at the Korean War Memorial contains the inscription, “Freedom Is Not Free,” which reminded me of Alameda’s recent Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. I was honored to address the well attended event, and pleased to see many families with children in the audience, in addition to local Scouts who assist with the ceremony. I noted in my remarks, “Memorial Day reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy were secured by those who made the ultimate sacrifice, not in pursuit of glory, but to protect the ideals of liberty, justice, and democracy,” and that, “In a world that often feels chaotic and unmoored, their legacy compels us to lead with integrity, compassion, and courage, and . . . recommit ourselves to the values they defended, because Memorial Day is not just a day of remembrance, but a call to action to build a more just and united future in their honor.
“Let us never take their sacrifice for granted, nor forget that true patriotism is found, not in words, but in the way we conduct ourselves and treat one another, including our veterans. Our actions always speak louder than our words.”
Volunteering sparks joy
At a recent reception to honor Alameda’s Board and Commission members, it was clear from the energy in the room that these individuals not only provide an invaluable service to Alameda—advising the City Council on a wide variety of topics, ranging from transportation planning to public art—but also enjoy the camaraderie that results from serving with and getting to know other talented, like-minded residents.
If this kind of public service appeals to you, there are currently openings on the Public Art Commission and Social Service Human Relations Board. You can learn more about these bodies and submit an online application on the Boards and Commissions page of the City of Alameda website.
Be inspired by the ideals and leaders that shaped our nation. Be grateful for our veterans. Volunteer. Be Alameda Strong!
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the Mayor of the City of Alameda. Reach her at [email protected].
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