America's Highest Ideals

The highest ideals of what America stands for were on full display last evening, as an estimate 800 people gathered at The Islamic Society of Frederick, to show solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters, in light of the Muslim ban put into place by the President’s executive order.  It was a joyous affair - Old friends found each other and hugged  in the midst of the crowd - New friends were made as we stamped our feet in the cold air and waved and clapped at people driving by.  Those drivers became part of us too, as  they honked in solidarity with us, as we waved our posters and shouted our greetings from the curb.  It was, in addition,  a solemn affair.  “Never again,” said one woman to me, as she displayed the Star of David on her coat, the word “Jude,” emblazoned in the center.  An historic symbol of Nazi oppression, this star was overpowered by all the posters expressing love and hope.  “We are all Muslims today,” said one poster.  “Stronger together,” said another.  

All of us walked together, young and old, kids sitting on the shoulders of their parents, a few  supported by walkers, all bundled up in the frigid air.  We walked from the mosque down to Route 40, waving our banners, and shouting: “What does democracy look like? THIS is what democracy looks like.”  I had heard this same shout-out  at the Women’s March to Washington the week before.  This shout-out is the rallying cry for many now.  We tried singing.  Not so good.  We do not seem to have a song yet that expresses everything we are and trying to do.  We need that - something simple, something catchy, that can pull us together.  Hear that, composers out there?  We tried, singing America the Beautiful and This Land is Your Land, after we returned to the mosque.  A large American flag, held by one of the marchers,  flew straight out in the wind.  It was a stirring moment, even though some of us stumbled through the songs, not knowing all the words.

People spoke to us: our political leaders (thank you Congressman Delaney for coming and speaking - for just being there); the organizers of the march spoke, saying how they felt they had to “do something” to show that love indeed could overcome hate, and this march was the result.    The iman of the mosque prayed with us, and then spoke of his grateful amazement that so many had showed up to show support for him and his community of believers.  Members of the mosque community were spread throughout the crowd.  One young Muslim woman hugged my husband and thanked us for being there.  

Why not?   We breathe the same air, use the same roads and bridges, depend on the same institutions;  we  must find ways to live together with kindness and empathy for the sake of our children and grandchildren.  That’s why I was there, inspired by everyone else who came, in joy and determination, to keep the love of neighbor alive.