I didn't intend the "Reasons to Winter" series, but I have found yet another reason. Unlike the last, which were perhaps neither particularly serious nor particularly alluring, the latest I feel compelled to comment on out of sheer admiration. Last Saturday, Feb. 17th, the citizens of my adopted hometown had the chance to help set a Guinness World Record. Local organizers were seeking to reclaim the title of "Most Snow Angels," which was held by Michigan Technilogical University.
On a crisp and sunny Saturday morning, people began to show up at the State Capitol grounds in Bismarck. When all was said and done they came in their thousands to be part of a silly, but somehow profound community event. Without controversy regarding the religious overtones of angels on the Capitol lawn or the cross formed by church members who dressed in orange to form a large cross in the crowd. Without discrimination, and without the selfishness that might keep them at home. These people came to help put their community in the record books.
In the process they reminded me of why I DO winter in ND. The number to beat was 3,784. When the flakes settled, fully 8,912 of my neighbors had flapped their arms in a tremendous tribute to community. That is probably about 10% of the city. One woman celebrated her 99th birthday by making an angel! In a time where everything seems to divide us, how wonderful to see something that can so unite us. I was not there. I was on my way to my real hometown. Glendive will never hold the record, there aren't 8,912 souls there. Congratulations Bismarck!
As an aside, Glendive experienced its first combat death in Iraq in February. The hundreds of citizens of my hometown who lined a miles-long funeral procession route in temperatures well below zero, flags of all sizes unfurled, saluting, standing, just being, renew my faith in so much. I am truly sad to have missed both of these solemn occasions.
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