Great sentiment Jakers and a nice piece of writing. I agree (or disagree), I don't look upon the "Grand Old Lady" as representing a lighthouse. She is an inspiring tribute to all who have come to her shores and I have visited her several times.

As for your eloquent essay, save it for a school project when the time comes. It should earn you an A or an A+, with just a tad of editing to throw out the parts directed at us "wackos"