Words I never thought I’d hear myself say, “I remember fifty years ago like it was yesterday”. My goodness, but I’m getting old! Fifty years ago I was a junior in high school and incredibly excited because it was 1976, America’s bicentennial and celebrations of that major milestone were everywhere to be seen. It felt as though I was living in a very special moment.

1976 ARRL Handbook cover

Though it would still be one more year before I would receive my ham radio license, I was preparing for that day. I had worked Field Day with the local club (hand logging in the CW tent) in the days leading up to the 4th of July. I bought CQ Magazine off the news stand and carried it with me wherever I roamed. By city bus usually, but those were the days when the publication was small, practically pocket-sized and lent itself well to being carried.

I had also purchased the 1976 ARRL Handbook for the whopping cost of six-bucks because the cover celebrated the bicentennial.

But this year feels different. Now I’m just this old retired dude who finds this similar occasion much less exciting. I’d be okay if you think I’m less patriotic in 2026 than I was in 1976 because you would be correct. It’s certainly not that I love my country any less, I just don’t care for life under the dark shadows of this government. Unlike in 1976, Americans have almost nothing to be proud about in 2026 — even the non-religious understand reaping what you sow.

So, no 4th of July celebration for me this time around. No parades, parties or fireworks. I do plan to re-watch the video of President Reagan’s Farewell Address. Unlike the current administration, Reagan left the nation with hope and promise and I’d rather enjoy a nostalgic moment in a blissful past than join today’s celebrations. Reagan’s ideals have long since been abandoned by his own party:

“I’ve spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don’t know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That’s how I saw it, and see it still.”

Some day America will be a great nation again. Today is not that day.