The snow is melting (for most of us) and the time has come to break out of our winter burrows. It is time to feel the sun on our face and the wind in our hair. Many of us have a favorite spot to hike, fish or just enjoy watching the water flow. Think of how many countless spots there are like that along the River.
Maybe this year we will find a new one.
Paul Simon’s Grammy award winning album’s title song Graceland, talks about a journey through the Mississippi Delta to Elvis’ mansion Graceland. As the song progresses, it broadens from a song about traveling to a place on the map, to finding a place of grace – a grace land. That is the magic of the song; it is a reminder that we can find places of grace if we look.
Some of us might go to Elvis’ Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, to appreciate the River’s influence on the music we love. Or we might visit a quaint river town like La Crosse, Keokuk or Vicksburg to appreciate the River’s effects on our history. If traveling is in the future, check out the events calendar and meet River Citizens from another state!
Then again, we can find our own Graceland somewhere off the beaten path—on a bluff or on a bench. Close to home or on a journey, the River offers something to each of us.
River Citizens live in all 50 states, but the strength of our voice comes from the 10 main states along the River. In fact, Iowa has the most River Citizens of any state, 1,419! Thank you to all of our current River Citizens for leading by example and committing to do their share to protect the River.
Throughout the year, River Citizens and the 1 Mississippi team are sharing their love of the River and encouraging new River Citizens to come on board. Just think: if each of us got one person to sign up, our number would double and then continue to grow exponentially! We can do it together! If you haven’t met your local team member yet be sure to check out our new team page.
The 2013 team is ready to spring into action; are you?