I am a Son of Liberty
Tony Rollo
“Actually, if you could see close in my eyes, there’s an American Flag waving in both of them.” – Walt Disney
Disney World opened in Florida that year in the early 1970s when I turned eleven years old. It was all the media rage and the Magic Kingdom was packed with visitors every day until the end of school summer vacations.
My family had the brilliant idea to visit in late September when the Florida weather is most beautiful and most people were over the initial craze and back in school. A note was sent to my fifth grade teacher that I would be missing for a whole week.
The timing proved perfect as we spent that entire week in the brand new Disney Florida resort where there were barely a few thousand visitors at the time. If you have ever visited Disney World, imagine walking up to the entrance of any attraction and noone else were there but the attendants. It was like we had the entire park to ourselves. A handful of families were in sight at any given time.
We found the Haunted Mansion and walked to the entrance. There was noone in sight and the huge entrance doors were closed. As another family walked up, we were beginning to think we were in the wrong place to enter when the huge doors swung open and a spooky attendant invited us in. It was the same everywhere we went.
When we finally made our way to Liberty Square, I was more excited than at any other part of the resort. At eleven years old I had already seen the Disney film Johnny Tremain several times. I was extremely interested in the concept of Liberty and the opposition to tyranny. I understood why America was so great a nation growing up with stories from my Grandad and Uncles who had served in World War Two.
I was looking for the Hall Of Presidents when my eyes grew wide apon seeing the Liberty Tree. I was so enchanted to be there. It was the real thing!
Suddenly there was a deep and distinguished voice from behind. “Excuse me young man.”
I turned and my eyes fell apon Benjamin Franklin himself! After a few seconds my boy brain was able to realize this was an actor dressed in the role of Franklin. But it was just like I had thought Benjamin Franklin would appear. I was speechless and my mind clicked into the reality of the moment. It was really Mr. Franklin in the flesh!
“Young man. I have been watching you.” Mr. Franklin said as he peered down at me from over his glasses. “I see you are very interested in that tree.”
I gulped deeply. “Yes, sir.” I managed to squeeze nervously from my lips.
Mr. Franklin smiled. “Would YOU like to become a REAL Son of Liberty today?”
Suddenly my timidity left. “YES!” I shouted. My entire eleven year old soul shouted aloud! “Oh, YES!” I exclaimed again.
Mr. Franklin smiled with affirmation. “Then we have a ceremony to perform.”
I followed the man who was portaying my hero around a corner to a small courtyard where men in period costumes with fifes and drums were warming up. They greeted me with enthusiasm. A very tall man with a large scroll under one arm was conversing with the men. He looked up and smiled at me and Mr. Franklin as we came into view.
I was handed a tri-cornered hat and a musket rifle. The tall man instructed me to march with him and to stop when he turned to face me in front of the Liberty Tree. He would then recite some words and give me something as he would call my name. I was to then to follow the fife and drum corps back to the small courtyard. That was simple.
I then lined up where I was told to. One of the men said that it looked as if I already knew how to carry a musket properly so he bet I could march properly too. The men seemed to enjoy this event more than I. Another voice from behind commented that its always better when the kids are the real thing. That began to echo in my boy brain. I was the real thing!
The tall man commanded us to attention. The men snapped stright and began to play their fifes and drums. It was the song about the Liberty Tree from the film Johnny Tremain! Another man with a long baton began to keep time and we all started the march into Liberty Square. It was truely a spiritual experience for me.
People suddenly came from everywhere. Cameras flashed. I was too involved in concentration with keeping step with these long-legged revolutionaries.
We stopped before the great tree of Liberty. The musicians stopped on the beat. The tall man with the scroll turned to face me. He unfurrled the huge scroll before him and began to read aloud. I cannot remember word for word, but I can remember the spirit of the proclaimation as it was carved into my heart and soul.
As the tall man called my name, he handed me a smaller scroll of parchment with a red ribbon tied around the middle. He then declared to all who were witnessing that day that I was now an official Son Of Liberty and was charged with the true meaning and responsibilities of such.
He rolled up his giant scroll as the onlookers cheered and applauded. As he returned the scroll under his arm he knodded to his men. They turned at a snap and began to play once again. I began to sing along: “Yes we are the sons, yes we are the sons, the Sons Of Liberty!” The tall man’s face lit with glee. With a wink and a knod he indicated that I should turn. As I did, the corps began to march back to where we came. I followed in step.
Upon reaching the courtyard once again, the music stopped and the men began friendly bantor with one another. They bid me farewell as they disbanded.
The tall man commented he was sorry that I had to return the hat and musket, but I could keep the scroll if I promised to read it all when I returned home. I agreed whole-heartedly!
Ben Franklin called to me once agin. He knelt down to my level and looked me in the eye.
“Do you understand what this means, son?” he asked. I knodded with wonder.
He looked deeper into my eyes and spoke slowly. “You ARE a real Son Of Liberty. Do you REALLY understand what that means?”
“Yes, sir. I do understand.” I said clearly.
Mr. Franklin stood and patted my shoulder. “Never forget what that means, son. Now go back to your folks out there.”
I ran into the square with the scroll in hand I was given. I carefully slid the ribbon to one end to peek at its contents. It was a copy of the United States Constitution!
I took this ceremony seriously. When I returned home I did what Benjamin Franklin instructed me to do. I read it all. Then again. And again.
To this day I feel as if I met the real Benjamin Franklin. I knew then as I do now it was an actor in a role. But the brilliance of Walt Disney brought Franklin alive for me as if he knew my heart and desire already.
It was more than just a reinactment for that eleven year old boy. It was a lesson that brought America and true Liberty alive in my life. It still lives in me to this day.
I cannot stress what an opportunity it is to bring such a positive influence into a young child’s life, mind and heart. The brilliance of men like Walt Disney and his team of “imagineers” are of such an importance to America. I dare say as important as any American who has served our great nation in any position.
As I pass on this truth of Liberty and Freedom to the next generation, I ask myself where are the Walt Disneys of today? Where are the Benjamin Franklins of today? I know where they are. In the hearts and minds of all true Americans.
I am and always will be a real Son of Liberty.
Virtually all of the things you claim happens to be astonishingly legitimate and that makes me ponder why I hadn’t looked at this with this light previously. This piece truly did turn the light on for me as far as this specific subject goes. However at this time there is actually one factor I am not really too comfortable with and while I attempt to reconcile that with the core theme of the issue, permit me observe what the rest of the readers have to say.Well done.
Wow! This can be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Wonderful. I’m also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your hard work.
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!
I like this web site very much so much superb info .
I just added your RSS Feed on my RSS reader, it is so nice to read your blog
You are a very capable person!
Perfect web content, honestly post
I like this web site so much, saved to favorites.
Another great post. I really enjoy it every time I visit this site. I’s obvious that a lot of time and effort is be put into every post and the entire website as a whole. Just wanted to let you know much I enjoy this place and prevaricate it, Thank again. Cheers!
I saw this blog through Facebook (one of my friends posted it). After reading, I clicked “Like” and also reshared it myseld. Anunturi Romania
I always was concerned in this subject and still am, thank you for posting.
notice all relating to the compelling manner you deliver efficient
Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thank you
It’s excellent webpage, I was looking for something like this
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!
It’s super webpage, I was looking for something like this
I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
What¡¯s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid different users like its helped me. Great job.
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, let alone the content!
It’s great page, I was looking for something like this
Good evening! I was surfing arround on Google and came across your website. Some good stuff in here! I also have a blog . Maybe you will visit my website too.
I really like your writing style, good information, thanks for posting : D.
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …
I was extremely delighted to locate this web page on bing.I wanted to say thank you to you with regard to this excellent submit!! I undoubtedlyenjoyed every very little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to look into new things you publish.
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i’m happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to do not forget this site and give it a glance on a constant basis.
Hi, An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The web site style is great, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers
It’s great page, I was looking for something like this
Nice post , this is my first time i read this blog and i found it very interesting , nice job .
Wonderful work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)
Loving the info on this site, you have done outstanding job on the articles .
I have desired to write something like this on my webpage and this has given me a concept. Cheers.
know all regarding the powerful means you provide advantageous
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today..
Excellent blog! I actually love how it is easy on my eyes and also the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
Good evening! I was surfing arround on Google and found this blog. I like the articles! I also have a blog . Maybe you will visit my website too.
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appearance. I must say you’ve done a very good job with this. Also, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Safari. Superb Blog!
Excellent post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Many thanks!
I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for great info I was looking for this information for my mission.
I recently came across your web site and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my very first comment. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this website very frequently.
It’s great webpage, I was looking for something like this
As soon as I found this web site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme. Kudos
I got what you mean , saved to bookmarks , very nice website .
It’s super page, I was looking for something like this
It’s great page, I was looking for something like this
Hi there, wonderful blog… really enjoy it and added into my social bookmarks. Keep up the good work
Thanks for the post!
I admire your piece of work, thankyou for all the good content .
Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Superb choice of colors!