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Indelible Contributions

Beautiful, thought-provoking essay about race and America. These lines summarize the central thesis but could be transferred by a reader to other contexts too

My father knew exactly what he was doing when he raised that flag. He knew that our people’s contributions to building the richest and most powerful nation in the world were indelible, that the United States simply would not exist without us.

It could be about the dogged pride some people take in their work that neither showers them with riches nor accolades. Yet they give it their best very everyday not expecting anything in return. Perhaps like the author's father, they see some indelible connection between what they do and some larger cause or purpose they hold dear. 

Reading this made me think about such people I have encountered in my life. In my youth, I have been scornful that they toil away in oblivion and should know better. But not anymore. Time has taught many lessons - I have observed how life turned out for these people now in their old age. 


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