America Alive: Singing In the Rain

The Temecula Duck Pond is a haven for families and children to escape from their urban surroundings. Here, you can find a statue of a bicycle that transports your typical thoughts. “Singing in the Rain” is a bronze mother and her two children with umbrellas for faces. With these umbrellas, they could forge through the rain, and continue on their lovely journey. This statue was a gift from Temecula’s sister city in Leidschendam-Voorburg, Netherlands after 9/11.  The statue stands as a lasting tribute to the strength and courage of those who refuse to be broken by brutality and terrorism. This is interesting because it pulls with the ideas of individualism and community. The statue personifies the spirit of our nation that continues in the face of hardship, even “sing”. Grouped with other veteran statues you feel an overwhelming sense of pride and respect for our fallen heroes. However, it also shows our love and support from our sister countries, showing that we could use a communal helping hand.  The context behind this statue can be related back to the Generale Historie by John Smith. We were trying to stand alone as a nation, but we had the cooperation of our neighbor to see us through trials. Although the Native American’s gestures were our sole reason for survival, Leidschendam-Voorburg gave us the support we needed in a trying time. Next time I visit the community pond, I’ll think of the communal support that made our nation possible.