Heritage

Much the same as we are the product of our life experiences— both good and bad—modern Western society is the sum of the knowledge of its early civilizations.

The early empires of the Fertile Crescent benefited from the flood plains between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which were rich and ideal for growing crops. These rivers became the superhighways of their day, allowing the rapid transit of goods from farmer or artisan to market. Grain, olive oil, silver, timber and wine were routinely floated down these river systems. Transit systems were as important then as they are today. Around 5,000 BC the Sumerians developed writing, watercraft and the wheel to support this growing exchange of goods. Trade and transportation created a legacy of prosperity that we enjoy to this day.

But trade routes also served as invasion routes. The armies of Egypt and Assyria used them to march through what are now Gaza, Israel, Lebanon and Syria. As Lord Byron memorably wrote in 1815, “the Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold, and his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold, and his spears…”

The superhighway gave the means to conquer and destroy—a legacy of brutal violence that continues to this day.

Having withstood the onslaught of the Roman invaders some two mellennia ago, the monuments of these civilizations returned to the embrace of the desert sands. Today, however, these UNESCO heritage sites are under siege by modern machinery and explosives, wielded by those driven by ignorance and intolerance. They are far more destructive than the mighty war machine that was ancient Rome. It is a modern day version of the Lord of the Flies.

I would be remiss if I did not convey my gratitude to the wineries that so wonderfully supported our Annual Firefighter’s Dinner.

Thank you Casa Dea for the exquisite sparkling rosé, which set the evening’s tone alongside the hors d’oeuvres. Barley Days Brewery offered a selection of locally crafted beers enjoyed by lip-smacking aficionados. Guests were offered a choice of Three Dog Winery red or white wines, as well as Hillier Creek’s Colonel Cuvee Red or 2009 Riesling. We are so grateful these wineries offered their wines as part of the dinner.

It is always important to support those who support our community.