By RYAN DOTY
It has been 12 years since I decided to become a full time Nevadan. As an Air Force brat, I was never really given much of a chance to decide where I wanted to live, who my friends would be, or what things there were around me to entertain myself. Home was where the Air Force sent us, and that was a good way to grow up.
My dad always taught us, however, that no matter where he was in the world; whether it be in Yorktown, Virginia, or in the far reaches of the pacific on a tiny nub of land called Guam, or any where in between; that home always meant Nevada to him. And so that is what I considered home as well, even though I had never actually lived there for more than a few days here and there.
But living in Nevada is much more that just a novelty to me. This is my home now, and home definitely means Nevada to me.
What worries me now is that I see a rift starting to form. And no, I’m not talking about the rift between Republicans and Democrats (I’m not exactly sure anyone will ever figure that mess out). I’m talking about those who take pride in what they do and who they are and those that just don’t care.
My grandparents, who are long time dyed-in-the-wool Nevadans, considered being a Nevadan as a source of great pride and something to brag about. Grandma Louise was forever singing or humming “Home means Nevada” and my Grandpa Raymond roamed “the hills” on a constant basis seeking a peace and tranquility that can only come from a great appreciation for our beautiful state that he had developed since he was a boy living on an old state highway in Glendale, NV.
They are in the “definitely care” group. A group of people who simply care about a cause can have a powerful effect on any outcome. History has shown us this time and time again.
My parents currently live in Texas. My dad still works for the Air Force, now as a civilian. Every time I visit Texas, I am overwhelmed by the Texan spirit. Nearly everywhere I go, the Texas flag flies loud and proud. You can’t go very far without seeing one. Being a Texan is a sort of religion, and their pride shows in the way they comport themselves and how they treat those around them with respect and dignity. I can only hope that someday a Texan comes to Nevada and goes home saying “Man, those Nevadans really have a great pride in everything they do.”
I guess what I am asking is that it is time we all cared again; that we show the nation and the world what it means to be Battle Born; and that we let them know that Nevada is a force to be reckoned with. Home means Nevada to all of us, and we need to own it.
I decided that my first step would be to start flying the Nevada Flag under my US flag that flies on the flag pole in my yard 365 days a year. That is the least I could do to show my loyalty to my great nation and my great state.
Let us all take a minute to reflect on how great Nevada is and how much greater we can make it. When people take pride in something, it only gets more appealing to those around them. If we as a people take pride in our Nevada, I know this state can become one of the most productive and proud places in our nation.
So practice saying it with me: “I’m a Nevadan, and home means Nevada to me!”
Ryan Doty is a proud resident of Logandale, Nevada.
