To the editor:
This past weekend I visited Bennington, Vermont, with some friends to soak in the beautiful New England weather and experience the historic flavor of the area. After visiting the Old First Church, Robert Frost’s gravesite and three covered bridges, we decided to attend a new production of “The Almost True and Truly Remarkable Adventures of Israel Potter” at Oldcastle Theatre Company. It was a wonderful production based on a novel by Herman Melville. I was moved, entertained, nostalgic and reflective. Israel, a Massachusetts farmer, is encouraged by his father to become a patriot and join the Continental Army to fight the British. Israel experiences so many hardships and frustrations on his many adventures. He just wants to come home to his betrothed, Elizabeth, and work on his farm.
After experiencing this marvelous production, I couldn’t help but think about the tremendous sacrifices made by Israel Potter and all American patriots. I am proud to be an American and cherish our freedom. In 1941, President Roosevelt delivered his iconic speech about the four freedoms worth fighting for: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear. Norman Rockwell was inspired by this speech and painted the four freedoms using everyday scenes and Vermonters as his subjects.
We live in a very troubled and divisive country and our democracy is under siege. Let us not forget sacrifices were made for our democracy. Maybe a trip to the Oldcastle Theatre to see “The Adventures of Israel Potter” will inspire us to fight for our freedoms in our own unique way.
Jacqueline M. Washack
Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey
