Looking back. President Barack Obama recognizing Neil Diamond's accomplishments

[ffr]

Freedom's light burning warm.

[Tink41]

1. This song!

So hopeful, admiring, full of promise. It captures all of it just thru the melody. There isn't much lyric wise but it captures an image of smiling, excited people, ready to start a new life.
I wish we lived up to what the song portrays. I have friends from around the world and they all hold a certain fondness for us, despite how rotten this place can be.

[fierywoman]

2. Our current pResident hasn't deigned to participate in the Kennedy Ctr honors for

the last 4 years. I'm looking forward to Biden returning here and also to the White House Correspondents dinner.

[Collimator]

3. That song. . .

makes me cry Every. Single. Time. Because it makes me think of my grandmother and her journey here at 16 years of age.

But now, the image of all those hopeful souls on boats traveling towards something new has to be interwoven with images of terrified souls travelling on boats to this country against their will.

Nothing is simple, I know. But this song does highlight something bright and warm and inspirational.

Thanks to my grandmother for all her struggles. She was 16 and pretty much "given" in marriage to her cousin when she came to this country, but I am here in part because of her strength.

[MelissaB]

4. I love, love, love Neil Diamond and his music.