Relay race of adult human responsibilities

May 30, 2023

The Inter-Mountain photo of Bobby Valentine handing off the baton to Andres Masten during the 4X800 relay class AA competition at the state track meet in Charleston was a delight for me on Monday (p. A2). Andres has just taken hold of the baton, and Bobby is beside him looking forward and running as hard as he can at the end of his lap. It is a strong, smooth transition.

Some people think track is not the most exciting spectator sport for high school fans, but track may be the best learning experience for students in a democratic society. At a track meet the focus is shared between individual and team achievements. Each competition brings out different personal talents, and the success of a school depends on the total performance of participants in many different types of events.

At a track meet so much is going on that spectators cannot see it all. Athletes may run races of various lengths with or without hurdles, they may throw a discus, javelin, or shot put, and they jump to amazing heights and lengths. In good weather there is a circus atmosphere, but on cold and rainy days, it's more like a sleepy war zone.

The reason I like the photo of Valentine and Masten passing the relay baton so much is the fact I remember when Bobby's parents were running track in high school with my son and daughter-in law. Now they are all four adults serving in our community. Andres is the son of friends who teach music and run a successful restaurant where folks gather for many community events.

The photo makes me realize that the passing of the baton is not just a gesture in a sporting event; it is a good metaphor for the way each generation should hand off civic responsibilities to the next generation. Now as grandparents we attend track meets like Jerry Metheny's parents used to do, but it is up to our children to make things work for their children at this time in local history.

This same principle is important where all financial and political responsibilities are concerned.

Jack Kennedy said, "The torch has been passed to a new generation," after he was elected in 1960.

President Eisenhower had led the Allies to victory in 1945, and he was leaving office. It was time for the next generation to deal with the political realities of the last half of the twentieth century.

I like to think of the baton being passed while both members of the team are still running because it helps to ensure that the transition is smooth and the momentum of good government will continue for the next generation. In each community the older generation needs to look to the future and be sure that educational opportunities are available to provide the knowledge and skills needed to develop new technologies and face future challenges. Learning how to hand off the baton and bridge generation gaps is one of the most essential activities of our human cultural heritage.

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