As I was trying to educate my youngest on the historical significance of the US military victory in Europe during World War II, she reminded me that she is only 5. She didn’t actually remind me of her age. Instead, as the final words of my explanation hovered in the air, she pulled up her collar, sort of a loose fitting turtle neck, and proclaimed, “Daddy, I’m a ninja.”
About an hour later we were down at the Convoy of Liberty in front of the US Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic. It was one of only a handful of times my girls have heard the US national anthem. They had no idea that it’s customary to put your hand over your heart.
What a weird life we live here.
Still, as the resident American history professor of the family, I felt like Friday was a good lesson. I still get chills up my spine with the national anthem. And my daughter is a freakin’ ninja.
NotHemingway 