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History in making

An historic date has just passed (See Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Thursday, Sept. 1 edition: “Historic commercial flight … lands in Cuba.)

The first of its kind in over 50 years has occurred. A commercial airline departing from the US mainland has landed in Cuba.

With airline personnel, political dignitaries, journalists and families of Cuban-American up-bringing on board. Regular air service has been reestablished between our two nations.

Cuba is a Communist country. The US is a Democracy. We, in the “free world” have a difficult time understanding (much less accepting), Cuba’s form of government, backed by an ideology which is alien to most of us.

This creates a great chasm in the political, economic, religious and social discussions that follow.

There are vast disagreements between us. Yet despite our differences, for the first time in more than a half century, both countries have sought to strengthen the bond between them by embracing a renewed vision to co-exist and interact with each other seeking common ground on a myriad of issues, which stand to have a positive impact on both far into the future.

Both countries are beginning to ease away from the separatist approach which has guided each land far too many years.

What awaits, to the person who is not resistant to some change are cross cultural learning opportunities and the sharing of national traditions which define each country.

In addition, families will have a chance to renew relationships in getting reacquainted and reconnected after many years of unsettling confusion.

For those of us who embrace the truth regarding the importance of a strong family unit, we can not find joy in the benefits to be received by Cuban-American families for generations to come?

With this first step in normalization between our two countries, comes not less than 300 airline flights each week from various departure sites in the U.S.

We can only begin to imagine the potential which reaches out to us in our individual places in the world.

President Obama, Vice President Biden and others in the Executive Branch of Government, have been strong supporters in easing the tension, by initiating the first steps to broaden the relationship we (The People), desire to have with others in the Global Village.

This brings to mind the memorable event during our President’s first term when he was awarded The Nobel Price for Peace, by the international community.

Truly, at this time in history, as his presidency draws to a close, the climax of his service has dawned, shedding new light on a relationship with a neighboring country, where only the darkness of rejection filled hearts and minds.

August 31, 2016, is a memorable day in the historical archives of U.S. history. The door of future hopes has been born between Cuba and the US.

Untold stories and new possibilities abound for all who are willing to step beyond comfort zones and embrace a changeable future with a new vision of understanding, hope, care for the Cuban people, for others in the Latino/Hispanic American community, along with all who seek to share the American (Western Hemisphere), way of life.

The Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Shellhamer

Williamsport

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