JULY 2024

Happy Birthday USA With Andy Griffith

Fun With a Purpose

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

The 4th of July is a time in which we celebrate the birth of our nation.  The ways in which we mark this great event vary but typically include gatherings of family and friends, community activities with a patriotic theme, parades and fireworks displays plus remembering the historic figures who played such a prominent role in the founding of the USA.  Many people enjoy reading the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution or perhaps the Gettysburg Address to reconnect with our nation's history.  Such acts of remembrance express thanks to the great Americans who pledged their "lives, fortunes and sacred honor with a firm reliance on protection of divine Providence" while seeking to secure the blessings of liberty and freedom.

All of the above, and more, are great ways to celebrate the 4th of July.  With regards to "more," we would submit for your consideration, a classic episode from the 1960s TV series The Andy Griffith Show titled "Andy Discovers America."  First aired on May 4, 1963, this is quintessential Andy at his most charismatic, storytelling best that is reminiscent of his famous comedy record ("What it Was, Was Football") that launched his entertainment career ten years earlier.  After Opie (played by a very young Ron Howard) and his schoolmates misinterpret Andy's empathy for their difficulties with their history class as an excuse to revolt against the teacher and skip their homework, Andy must find a way to reinvigorate their interest in their history studies.  What follows is a wonderful, humorous example of fun with a purpose -- in this instance, developing an understanding if not appreciation for our nation's history.  Andy's storytelling about Paul Revere and his horse Nellie that leads to the "shot heard around the world" is folksy, dramatic, gripping, entertaining and engaging.  The facial expressions of Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) plus Opie and his schoolmates (Richard Keith who played Little Ricky in "I Love Lucy" and Joey Scott who played Benjie Bellamy from "Leave it to Beaver") are priceless as they are captivated by Andy's infectious conversational style that brings American history to life.

The boys return to the classroom with renewed interest in American history and an insatiable desire to engage in serious discussion with their teacher.  To a large swath of Baby Boomers, the classroom scenes are like a time capsule as students and teachers alike would begin the day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  The teacher, Helen Crump (played by Aneta Corsaut) is rather strict and serious, if not somewhat harsh in her manner.  But there can be no mistake in her sincere desire to want her students to learn all they can about the subject of the day. Her initial tongue lashing she administers to Andy when the boys initially forgo their homework later changes to genuine respect and admiration for how he was able to inspire them to learn more about American history.  The transformation of all the characters in this episode -- Andy, Barney, Opie and his classmates plus teacher Helen -- is equally endearing as Andy's persuasive storytelling.

So as you gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate 4th of July, please consider taking time to watch this wonderful episode of classic TV in which you can "rediscover" America through the wit and whimsy of "The Andy Griffith Show."  Do you have any special traditions you follow to celebrate our nation's independence day?  If so, please share them by either posting to the Galaxy FACEBOOK page or writing directly to me at: Haloulakos@gmail.com