It must have been a dream, but it was as though I were talking to George Washington himself. There he was as big as life...white hair, knee pants, buckle shoes, and all. There I was, standing before the father of our country with a head full of questions. Should I ask or should I just stand silently in patriotic tribute to such a heralded hero? With little thought of how it might sound I blurted out, "Tell me, sir, what do you think about our country today? He looked deep into my eyes and when he spoke it was a strong, pleasant voice. I was a bit surprised by his first response.

"Why do you ask me such a question?" he replied. "The country over which I presided was quite simple. I'm not sure I could have a legitimate opinion about such a complex structure as these twenty first century United States. I can say, however, that you still live in one of the best countries of the world. Many of the great principles used in starting this nation are still intact today. There is much for which you can be grateful about your land, so please do not let the prophets of doom take away the joy of your patriotism. America will always be as strong as the character of her people."

He hung his head and paused for a moment before speaking again. "There are some things that grieve me." He cleared his throat as he struggled with emotions. "I am saddened by the fact that a country which started with such a variety of folk has not always been kind to its minorities. Prejudice has been allowed to prevail. The pollution of our physical beauty and the careless misuse of our natural resources trouble me.

Politicians bother me. Ego and fame tend to interfere with their statesmanship. Most of them are qualified persons, but the methods they use in getting elected detract from their effectiveness as leaders. The morals of our land seem to be deteriorating., The media, the movies, and the marketplace seem to dramatize and glamorize the immoral. I worry about the soul of America because of those who abuse certain freedoms and those who would impose serious restrictions if they could. America tends to worship the wrong kind of heroes and make much ado about nothing."

His voice was growing faint. I wanted him to tell me more. I pleadingly requested, "Give me more of your wisdom. You are so wise." He paused, pointed upward and said, "He is the only true wise One." "But please, before you leave, give me a parting word of truth for our nation to live by," I insisted. I could hardly hear him, but the words I heard strongest were "One Nation Under God."