a birthday march

on december 20, 1969, i turned 21.  the voting age had not yet been lowered to 18, so birthday # 21 was special for me. 
it was also special for the amazing activities that day - and the fact that i had the energy to do it all (i say with a raised eyebrow) back then.  on that day our anti-war protest group gathered for a march...from burk burnette park in downtown fw to general dynamics. 
[aside:  i have googled and binged and wikipediaed and can find nothing, absolutely nothing in the paper or on the news or anywhere about this protest.]
it was about 12 miles from start to finish.  i wore my favorite moccasins and by the end of our trek there were holes in the soles and my feet had blisters.  AND we made an impact because there were lots of folks reporting on us and we were on tv.  there were hecklers (to phrase it politely).   to their crude gestures and remarks we gave the peace sign and now and again others mirrored our finger "V"s and encouraged us.
the police rode alongside of our parade to either protect us or catch us doing something they could arrest us for.  there were the fbi looking guys with the suits, black shoes and white sox...and they made their lists and took photos covertly.
David and i were "marshals" - can you believe it?  we had black armbands to signify that if someone was in trouble or needed help they should come to us.  if they were being hassled they should let us know.  we marched along the perimeter of the line of protestors with signs saying 'make love not war', PEACE, etc.
one of our members (a small group of about 20-25) who was petite and had holes in her shoes too, gave out just about a mile from our destination. 
David carried her on his back - literally - for the last few steps. 
[i don't know where his strength, physically and of character comes from, except from spirit;  he would do the same thing today if someone needed a lift.]
when we got to GD we were met with suspicious eyes for the most part and were told we could not go any further than the gate.  we had brought flowers along with us and we handed them out to the gun holding guards...some pushed them away but so many accepted them and it made me cry to see that people can do so much when they speak out and stand up.  that hearts can be reached by grand AND simple gestures.
we were all so tired and rode gladly back home with friends who had driven along with us in case of emergency.
that night David threw me a surprise birthday party. 
when i look back and re-feel my 21st anniversary of coming into this plane, i am proud.  i DID something very fullfilling to celebrate it.
Happy Birthday to ME!!.