"I am a Son Of Liberty" An essay about positive influence by Tony Rollo "Actually, if you could see close in my eyes, there's an American Flag waving in both of them." - Walt Disney Disney World opened in Florida that year in the early 1970s when I turned eleven years old. It was all the media rage and the Magic Kingdom was packed with visitors every day until the end of school summer vacations. My family had the brilliant idea to visit in late September when the Florida weather is most beautiful and most people were over the initial craze and back in school. A note was sent to my fifth grade teacher that I would be missing for a whole week. The timing proved perfect as we spent that entire week in the brand new Disney Florida resort where there were barely a few thousand visitors at the time. If you have ever visited Disney World, imagine walking up to the entrance of any attraction and noone else were there but the attendants. It was like we had the entire park to ourselves. A handful of families were in sight at any given time. We found the Haunted Mansion and walked to the entrance. There was noone in sight and the huge entrance doors were closed. As another family walked up, we were beginning to think we were in the wrong place to enter when the huge doors swung open and a spooky attendant invited us in. It was the same everywhere we went. When we finally made our way to Liberty Square, I was more excited than at any other part of the resort. At eleven years old I had already seen the Disney film Johnny Tremain several times. I was extremely interested in the concept of Liberty and the opposition to tyranny. I understood why America was so great a nation growing up with stories from my Grandad and Uncles who had served in World War Two. I was looking for the Hall Of Presidents when my eyes grew wide apon seeing the Liberty Tree. I was so enchanted to be there. It was the real thing! Suddenly there was a deep and distinguished voice from behind. "Excuse me young man." I turned and my eyes fell apon Benjamin Franklin himself! After a few seconds my boy brain was able to realize this was an actor dressed in the role of Franklin. But it was just like I had thought Benjamin Franklin would appear. I was speechless and my mind clicked into the reality of the moment. It was really Mr. Franklin in the flesh! "Young man. I have been watching you." Mr. Franklin said as he peered down at me from over his glasses. "I see you are very interested in that tree." I gulped deeply. "Yes, sir." I managed to squeeze nervously from my lips. Mr. Franklin smiled. "Would YOU like to become a REAL Son of Liberty today?" Suddenly my timidity left. "YES!" I shouted. My entire eleven year old soul shouted aloud! "Oh, YES!" I exclaimed again. Mr. Franklin smiled with affirmation. "Then we have a ceremony to perform." I followed the man who was portaying my hero around a corner to a small courtyard where men in period costumes with fifes and drums were warming up. They greeted me with enthusiasm. A very tall man with a large scroll under one arm was conversing with the men. He looked up and smiled at me and Mr. Franklin as we came into view. I was handed a tri-cornered hat and a musket rifle. The tall man instructed me to march with him and to stop when he turned to face me in front of the Liberty Tree. He would then recite some words and give me something as he would call my name. I was to then to follow the fife and drum corps back to the small courtyard. That was simple. I then lined up where I was told to. One of the men said that it looked as if I already knew how to carry a musket properly so he bet I could march properly too. The men seemed to enjoy this event more than I. Another voice from behind commented that its always better when the kids are the real thing. That began to echo in my boy brain. I was the real thing! The tall man commanded us to attention. The men snapped stright and began to play their fifes and drums. It was the song about the Liberty Tree from the film Johnny Tremain! Another man with a long baton began to keep time and we all started the march into Liberty Square. It was truely a spiritual experience for me. 
People suddenly came from everywhere. Cameras flashed. I was too involved in concentration with keeping step with these long-legged revolutionaries.
We stopped before the great tree of Liberty. The musicians stopped on the beat. The tall man with the scroll turned to face me. He unfurrled the huge scroll before him and began to read aloud. I cannot remember word for word, but I can remember the spirit of the proclaimation as it was carved into my heart and soul. As the tall man called my name, he handed me a smaller scroll of parchment with a red ribbon tied around the middle. He then declared to all who were witnessing that day that I was now an official Son Of Liberty and was charged with the true meaning and responsibilities of such. He rolled up his giant scroll as the onlookers cheered and applauded. As he returned the scroll under his arm he knodded to his men. They turned at a snap and began to play once again. I began to sing along: "Yes we are the sons, yes we are the sons, the Sons Of Liberty!" The tall man's face lit with glee. With a wink and a knod he indicated that I should turn. As I did, the corps began to march back to where we came. I followed in step. Upon reaching the courtyard once again, the music stopped and the men began friendly bantor with one another. They bid me farewell as they disbanded. The tall man commented he was sorry that I had to return the hat and musket, but I could keep the scroll if I promised to read it all when I returned home. I agreed whole-heartedly! Ben Franklin called to me once agin. He knelt down to my level and looked me in the eye. "Do you understand what this means, son?" he asked. I knodded with wonder. He looked deeper into my eyes and spoke slowly. "You ARE a real Son Of Liberty. Do you REALLY understand what that means?" "Yes, sir. I do understand." I said clearly. Mr. Franklin stood and patted my shoulder. "Never forget what that means, son. Now go back to your folks out there." I ran into the square with the scroll in hand I was given. I carefully slid the ribbon to one end to peek at its contents. It was a copy of the United States Constitution! I took this ceremony seriously. When I returned home I did what Benjamin Franklin instructed me to do. I read it all. Then again. And again. To this day I feel as if I met the real Benjamin Franklin. I knew then as I do now it was an actor in a role. But the brilliance of Walt Disney brought Franklin alive for me as if he knew my heart and desire already. It was more than just a reinactment for that eleven year old boy. It was a lesson that brought America and true Liberty alive in my life. It still lives in me to this day. I cannot stress what an opportunity it is to bring such a positive influence into a young child's life, mind and heart. The brilliance of men like Walt Disney and his team of "imagineers" are of such an importance to America. I dare say as important as any American who has served our great nation in any position. As I pass on this truth of Liberty and Freedom to the next generation, I ask myself where are the Walt Disneys of today? Where are the Benjamin Franklins of today? I know where they are. In the hearts and minds of all true Americans. I am and always will be a real Son of Liberty. - Tony Rollo / July 2009 ALL CONTENTS © Tony Rollo - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |