FAST FIVE Connie McGee: Proud to be an American

Meet fourth generation Idaho native and retired educator Connie McGee, who grew up in Coeur d'Alene and continues to give back to the community that raised her.

1) When and why did you become involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution?

Thanks to my mother Maxine Nelson's lineage research, I am a 30-year member and was happy to join DAR in 1993 along with my two daughters. My beliefs align with the non-political national society, promoting patriotism, historic preservation and education. My mother, two daughters and three granddaughters are all members under the patriot Pvt. John Fulkerson of New Jersey.

2) As we near America's birthday, what makes you most proud to be an American and how do you showcase that pride?

I met my husband as a teacher fresh out of the University of Idaho at Mountain Home, Idaho, where I taught fifth grade on base. My husband, retired Maj. Butch McGee, served for 20 years in the Air Force and I was a dependent wife for most of this time. Living amongst military families on bases, stateside and overseas, and watching the military service their missions was inspiring. I really didn’t know what freedoms I had in America until living and traveling in other countries. Following the rules as a guest in other countries was truly a real eye-opener. I try to honor our veterans, fly the American flag, stand respectfully for the national anthem while giving back to my community and country by volunteering through the workings of the Daughters of the American Revolution, chapter, state and nationally. After being informed on one of my student trips in China on a train by a coach worker that the Chinese farmers oftentimes are born in the field (usually under a couple acres per family), work the field and die in the field, I was then overcome with emotion for my country. I am always thankful for my opportunities and freedom to be able to set my own course in life because of all who fought for our freedom.

3) What are some of your favorite Fourth of July festivities and traditions?

As a child growing up in Coeur d’ Alene, I fondly remember walking in the children’s parade held July 3. The Fourth of July was a special time for the Nelson family picnic at my folks' (Elton and Maxine Nelson) home on Stanley Hill. My father, brothers, nephews, uncle and husband were members of the Shrine Locomotive Unit in the Coeur d’Alene Fourth of July Parade for nearly 40 years. My grandfather, Claude Barnes, was a member of the Shrine Locomotive Unit. I participated in the Perfection Nots for a couple years playing the snare drum and then in the DAR entries. To this day, family members who didn’t participate in the parade enjoy viewing the entries by always meeting between Zip's and 11th Street under the shade of the large trees.

The Nelson picnics were full of laughter and good conversation along with lots of food and sometimes games. In the late afternoon, everyone would head home to prepare for the fireworks over Lake Coeur d’Alene. My folks could view the fireworks from their Stanley Hill home. The rest of us would head to the grassy area west of the city library to watch, as the park was becoming extremely crowded over the years and driving home was taking too long. We would park south of Sherman Avenue in the housing area in order to make an escape driving to the east of 15th street to arrive home.

As our family has grown, we seem to be celebrating in our own way while still hanging onto a few traditions. As long as I can remember, July 4 was always a big celebration that drew crowds in Coeur d’Alene.

4) What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I was fortunate as a teacher to become a Student Ambassador Leader and travel with students in summers from 1995 through 2008 in other countries — England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Brussels, Netherlands, France, Austria, New Zealand, Australia and China. The People-to-People Student Ambassador program headquarters was in Spokane. As leaders we were charged with preparing students for a year before travel outside of America and how to act as an American Ambassadors.

5) Who are your top American heroes and why?

• All veterans for their selfless sacrifices for their country.

• Abe Lincoln for his wisdom and vision.

• The American women during the westward movement for their grit and endurance.