I stepped on the ice and instantly felt the chill. No, it wasn’t the coldness of the arena or the ice itself, but the chill recalling a positive and patriotic childhood memory. As a hockey fan (now a huge New York Ranger fan) I watched the game in 1980, I believed in miracles.
Yes, I can remember when the USA Hockey team defeated the USSR in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The moment coined the “miracle on ice” still stirs emotion when I watch the recent movie (Miracle 2004) or old footage (available in the Olympic Museum in Lake Placid).
Earlier this year I finally found myself visiting Lake Placid, New York, and one evening I found myself inside the arena and on the very edge of the very ice. I tied my laces tight, took out my Stars and Stripes (I travel with her) and stepped out to skate the ice. Pure Joy.
Traveling (Skating) with the Stars and Stripes.
Team USA not only defeated a considered unbeatable team on this ice, but they came together and seized the moment; Team USA seized the opportunity.
To me, that is the American miracle. From its early beginnings on July 4th, 1776 to today, the United States remains the land of opportunity and it remains up to us to seize our moment. Our USA Hockey team did it in Lake Placid and our nation did it on July 4th. So, let’s toast this holiday to all those who seized their moment in the land of opportunity and also toast to making (y)our miracle happen too.
Happy Birthday America and Happy 4th of July (Holiday) to everyone who celebrates the date.
Stay American, Craig
For details on the Olympic Center, start your search here and contact the center as skating sessions are open to the public. Also, a very special thanks to the Lake Placid CVB for the invite to visit Lake Placid and especially for appeasing my countless requests to skate on ice where history was made. You have no idea how I shall always cherish that memory (StayAppreciative). I guess I seized the opportunity, right?
