Goodness knows, I don’t agree with everything that happens in West Virginia. I’m often frustrated, annoyed or left shaking my head at the things our “leaders” say and do.
From an interesting article on the West Virginia Culture and History website about West Virginia statehood I learned that the movement to separate actually goes back quite a bit further than I realized. West Virginians were making noises about independence from East Virginia more than 30 years before it actually happened. I can just imagine what those days were like and I’m sure some West Virginians questioned what their leaders were attempting to do back then, too. They probably shook their heads too.
I’ve never tried to hide my roots. I’ve always been proud to say I’m from West Virginia, no matter where I’ve been. With my accent, it would be pretty foolish to even try, of course, but the thought never crossed my mind. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to travel quite a bit, making stops in Europe, South America and Africa. You would be surprised how many people from outside the United States know exactly where West Virginia is and know of it as a green, beautiful rugged state.
Happy Birthday!.