“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction…It must be fought for, protected, and handed on…” –Ronald Reagan
Fit to Serve? Previous generations of Americans from many different political backgrounds knew and warned of the need to be fit enough to defend our nation. On the eve of our current military considering liposuction to deal with obesity as well as numerous soft tissue injuries related to decreased quality of movement, once again it’s time to reflect and learn from what history clearly teaches us–be prepared.
“…The price of freedom is the ability to defend it.”
–Frank Knox, WWII Secretary of the Navy
We have learned from our historic studies of physical education and fitness to look beyond the recent influences or current sources. After going back a few generations then examine who influenced them. We have posted previously about Coach Stan LeProtti and LaSierra High School’s historic Physical Education Program in California during the early 1960s which was “the” top PE program in the country. Once again, you will see LeProtti and LaSierra High School referenced in the “Fit To Serve” video above, but who influenced Stan LeProtti? Frank Griffin of Sequoia High School in Redwood City, CA who had the best post WWII Physical Education Program–Griffin is also highlighted in the “Fit To Serve” video and created the infamous “Atomic Loop” Obstacle Course featured. But who influenced Griffin? Keep tracing it back, and you’ll find the Swedish and German influences, but eventually you’ll get back to the Greeks…and yet we are still looking for the “latest and greatest” thing in fitness? It’s simple–just look back–to history…then prepare.
Additional Information:
- Stan LeProtti & LaSierra High School
- “The Atomic Loop” Obstacle Course Photo
- Special thanks to Iowa Department of Education & Dr. Ed Thomas
