Thursday; August 15

There are certain events that seem to spotlight pivotal points in history.  For the late 1960s, Woodstock may be one of those events.  The “Aquarian Exposition:  3 Days of Peace & Music” was actually held on Max Yasqur’s dairy farm some forty-three miles southwest of Woodstock, New York.  According to history (and supposition) thirty-two musical acts performed for an estimated 400,000 people.  The festival lasted from August 15-18, 1969 but has been a fixture in our nation’s culture since that time.  While the festival is well-known for those who performed, I found it interesting to read about some who chose not to be there.  Ian Anderson (from the group Jethro Tull) declined to perform because he didn’t like the counterculture influence (inappropriate nudity, heavy drinking and drug use) he knew would be there.  According to Tommy James, he and his band passed on their invitation because it was pitched to them in this way, “... there’s this pig farmer in upstate New York who wants you to play in his field.”.  Anderson’s fears were probably realized, while Tommy James soon realized the opportunity they missed.
I was too young to know much about the nuances of Woodstock until years later, but I find it interesting how many people define themselves as the Woodstock Generation.  For many; the music, the mud, the freedom and the debauchery that were experienced that day represent something special to them.  In retrospect, I know that I would not have enjoyed the “concert” nor would I have embraced the mindset.
As I look at modern society I wonder what we will be known for?  Will it be good or bad – righteous or evil?  You see, what we choose to define ourselves will be the legacy we leave for others.  In a sense, we get to choose what will define our generation, what will it be? 
Think About It!

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