See the USA II
It appears that Chevrolet is bringing back its delightful commercial from the fifties when it sponsored The Dinah Shore Show. You may remember her singing that uplifting commercial jingle that resonated across America: “See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet, “America is asking you to call. “Drive the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet, “America is the greatest land of all.”
It made me feel patriotic to sing along with Dinah Shore and dream about visiting the varied landscapes of our great country. I loved the backdrop of scenes that showcased our beautiful country and aspired to connect with those scenes I saw in those Chevy commercials. Fortunately, that has often worked out.
Today the Chevy commercial features 26-year-old country singer Brooke Lee, a native of Charlotte, singing those lyrics of yesteryear, sitting in a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 that was air lifted to the top of Castle Rock, Utah.
The scenes—like Brooke’s good looks and smooth, resonant voice— are inviting and make you want to find a Chevrolet, set yourself in motion, and see the U.S.A., truly “the greatest land of all.”
I fantasized about owning a Chevrolet convertible and “seeing the U.S.A.” while listening to Dinah Shore sing those time-honored lyrics and driving though the badlands of South Dakota, the Grand Canyon, the Rockies, the St. Louis Arch, the cottages of New England, the Shenandoah Valley, and “way down yonder in New Orleans,” among other great American landscapes.
When reflecting on such geographical highlights, I think about how much fun travel can be. It is illuminating to see the pyramids along the Nile, the Cotswold’s, the Swiss Alps, and the Eiffel Tower — not to mention the pure pleasure of driving along the Seine and seeing the hills that “are alive with the sound of music.” To feel the mist that envelops you while you listen to the roar of the crashing waters of Victoria Falls makes you pause and reflect on how small you really are.
Rome and its ancient sights, which inspire the heart and soul. Immersing yourself in a UK country pub that was built before your great grandfather was born. To ride in a press car for a leg of the Tour de France and to ski the Swiss Alps, even in the summer. Enjoying lunch on a patio by a canal in Brugge are among the things which fill you with thanksgiving and humility.
There is so much to experience in this great world but seeing the U. S. A. over the years ranks with the best. You can’t drive your Chevrolet to the great places in Europe and other landscapes of the world’s continents.
And one should never overlook what is under one’s nose — in my case, the many wonderful places that abound in the state of Georgia. Simple things like finding your way to a fishing spot on the Chattahoochee River in North Georgia. I have never been there and done that without reciting the enduring words of our wonderful native poet, Sidney Lanier: “Out of the hills of Habersham, “Down the valleys of Hall, “I hurry amain to reach the plain, “Run the rapid and leap the fall.”
You get a warm feeling when you leave the hills of Habersham and find your way to the Georgia coast and reflect on the poet’s other masterpiece, “The Marshes of Glynn.” When I count my blessings, I always offer thanks to having fished in the Hills of Habersham and the Marshes of Glynn.
Then there is the Okefenokee, one of the world’s great treasures. Not only should all Georgians visit this invaluable swamp but we should also all join hands to ensure that it not be disturbed by any commercial venture or activity.
If you choose to see the U.S.A., as the Chevy commercial recommends, don’t forget about the treasures in the state of Georgia. They rank among the best.
