Sixty-one years ago, I saw Jack Roosevelt Robinson become the first black man to walk on big-league grass, and it made me proud not only [...]]]> One of the benefits of having lived seven decades is that I’ve been witness to events that were not only personally thrilling, but that were memorable and historic for our country.

Sixty-one years ago, I saw Jack Roosevelt Robinson become the first black man to walk on big-league grass, and it made me proud not only to be a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, but to be an American.

In all the years since, I’ve been unable to reflect on that powerful moment without suppressing a lump in my throat or wiping a tear from my eye.

Some months ago, I saw Barack Obama claim the nomination of his party as President.
Once again, that lump appeared (and the tear, too) and I again felt enormous pride in my country.

Tonight, I’m looking forward to the next chapter in this stirring American saga and to experiencing that feeling again.