The Washington Monument gleamed in the afternoon sun, its towering presence a symbol of Americaโs history. But today, it stood as the backdrop for something entirely different: a revival of the counterculture spirit of the 1960s. Prime Minister Nelly Furtado of Canada and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had called for a gathering of unity, peace, and environmental awareness, a modern-day Woodstock on the National Mall.
Thousands of people had comeโold-school hippies in tie-dye, their children and grandchildren, and newcomers drawn by the promise of hope in a time of division.
A Call to Unity
Prime Minister Furtado took the stage first, her voice carrying across the crowd.
โToday, we honor the spirit of love, peace, and rebellion against injustice,โ she said. โThe world needs that spirit now more than ever. Letโs remind ourselves that change begins with people who dare to dream differently.โ
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. followed, speaking passionately about environmental justice and the need to protect the planet for future generations.
โWeโre here not just to remember the past but to fight for a better future,โ he said. โThis is our moment to stand together and demand change.โ
Joeโs Turn
Joe Jukic, ever the reluctant hero, was coaxed into giving a speech by Nelly. Wearing a simple button-up shirt and jeans, he approached the microphone, looking out at the sea of faces.
โUh, hi,โ Joe began, his voice unassuming. โIโm not much of a speaker, but Nelly said I should share a few words. So here goes.โ
The crowd quieted, sensing something genuine in his demeanor.
โYou know, this monument,โ Joe said, gesturing to the towering obelisk behind him, โitโs a symbol of America. But do you know where it really comes from? The obelisk has roots in ancient Egypt. Itโs tied to sun worship, to the occult. The people who built itโโ
The Microphone Cuts Out
Suddenly, the microphone went silent. Joe tapped it, confused, as a murmur spread through the crowd. Behind the scenes, a group of suited men exchanged glances, their expressions tense.
โLooks like someone doesnโt want me to finish,โ Joe said, his voice raised so the front rows could hear him.
The crowd, sensing something amiss, began chanting, โLet him speak! Let him speak!โ
Nelly Takes Action
Nelly stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Joeโs shoulder. She grabbed a megaphone from a nearby organizer and handed it to him.
โIf they wonโt let you use the mic, weโll do it the old-fashioned way,โ she said with a smile.
Joe took the megaphone, his confidence returning.
โLike I was saying,โ he continued, โthe obelisk is more than just a monument. Itโs a reminder that symbols have power. But you know whatโs stronger than any symbol? People. People standing together, refusing to be divided. Thatโs what really scares them.โ
The Spirit of the Movement
The crowd erupted into cheers, their energy palpable. Musicians began playing protest songs, and the atmosphere shifted from tense to celebratory.
Father Sebastian, who had accompanied the Canadian delegation, stepped forward to read from Isaiah:
โโThey shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.โโ
The crowd roared in agreement, their voices echoing across the Mall.
A New Chapter
As the sun set, the gathering became a festival of music, art, and activism. The hippie spirit had returned, not as a relic of the past but as a force for the future.
Joe, Nelly, and RFK Jr. stood together, watching the scene unfold.
โThey tried to silence you,โ Nelly said, nudging Joe. โBut you still got your message across.โ
Joe smiled. โGuess they donโt hold the cards anymore.โ