Pittston Dispatch // PD Columnists // Maria Montante - Maria Remembers

Sunday July 05, 2009 | 01:00 AM

That was the advice given to me by my Michele in a telephone conversation on Monday morning as I prepared to write this column pre July 4th which you will read post July 4th. “It’s a holiday filled with sparklers, hotdogs, hamburgers and fireworks. Make it happy and upbeat.”

I was feeling and thinking Independence Day and the anticipation of a patriotic holiday one of my favorites with flags flying, fireworks and home town parades.

Mingled in those thoughts was the struggle for freedom and the price paid for those freedoms since the Declaration of Independence was signed by our forefathers to the present day.

Still feeling the effects of a recent experience that occurred not once but four times because of the actions of people who do not understand the meaning of freedom and individual rights my spirits were somewhat dampened.

Following a knee replacement operation last September, I was given a gold card reading “the owner of this card has in place a total joint replacement.

This metallic implant may activate a metal detection device.

Dr. Mattucci forewarned, “When entering an airplane boarding area the card may be accepted or may not be.”

Jokingly he added, “However, it may get you on the first boarding.”

At that particular time those words meant nothing but would be dealt with when the time arose. That time arose in early May when Chet and I were en route to Texas the first segment of our journey at the Philadelphia airport.

With trusty gold card in hand, I presented it with my boarding pass. It was pushed aside as the verification process continued.

Next phase was to place the carry on luggage on the conveyor belt with instructions to remove one’s shoes and place them in a bin for inspection.

Unknowing that the airlines provides paper foot wear, I removed my shoes and followed instructions with much distain realizing my feet were bare on a floor countless number of people had walked after removing their shoes.

As my belongings were screened, I walked to the check in point and forewarned I would activate the system and why.

True enough the system began to beep and I was then asked to step through a three-sided enclosure that also designated I was armed with metal.

To the side of the enclosure stood a guard with a long black wand-like device in hand. Thinking I could walk out of the enclosure I sought a door handle but there was none.

Turning to the entrance, I attempted to walk out but was blocked by the check in person and was asked to wait in the enclosure.

After several seconds which seems an eternity when one feels trapped my heart began to take on a faster beat.

My eyes began searching for Chet who was gathering our belongings and was unaware of my feeling of captivity.

Several seconds later the door opened. I was released and told to sit on a straight back chair. Still squeamish of my exposed feet I reached out to retrieve my shoes and was told not to touch them. Not understanding why, I reached out once more when the voice more emphatically, sterner and louder repeated, “Do not touch them.”

Obediently, I took the designated seat. It was then that the big black wand began to scan my body. First my right side, foot, ankle, calf, and knee which set off the device and without warning a hand is feeling the area. Don’t remember if I was forewarned or not but I was dismayed. The left side was fine and asked to stand on a mat with the imprint of a pair of feet.

Standing with feet apart and arms extended to the sides the wand scans the side of my body across the arms and back and another warning. It is the undergarment and the hands are on my back. The wand continues across my waist, the alarms sound once more and I am asked to remove my belt. I should have expected it but did not when the hands are circling my waist.

A feeling of helplessness was overtaking me. Tears were welling in my eyes,

A realization was smothering me. I have lost a freedom reeled in my head. Never again will I go through a check point without the scan and touch of my body. It is an invasion that is humiliating and humbling.

The tears streamed down my cheeks and I let them.

Those tears were not only for me but for the thousands who lost their lives on that fatal day of September ll, 2001.

I cried for all who love freedom and put their lives on the line to defend it.

I cried for all those who lost their lives sacrificing themselves so that we on July 4th and every day of our lives remain free.

Chet was standing by watching helplessly. When it was over, he came to my side with handkerchief in hand gently wiped the tears away.

Realizing why the precautions are made and necessary for our safeguard makes it comprehensible. I have no qualm with that. Also realizing that each attendant is doing his or her job is also understandable. It is the approach and the touch that makes one extremely uneasy. Small price to pay for freedom!

Michele wanted upbeat.

What can be more upbeat than marking this day of Independence with family and friends enjoying the traditional hotdog and hamburger with Old Glory flying high, patriotic music blaring, and as the sun sets watching the dark sky illuminated in a glorious firework display?

Hope your July 4th was upbeat.

Let’s pray to keep America free!