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Why the Miracle on Ice Was More Than a Hockey Game

A game that brought the country together

Mary Kate Hickey

Jul 06, 2015

Marquette University

808

Why the
Miracle on Ice Was More Than a Hockey Game

In the spirit of the Fourth of July being this past weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight a time our country was brought together after a time of great doubt. For the hockey fans out there, you most likely know the story of the 1980 men’s Olympic hockey team. For the general population, you probably have seen or at least heard of the movie, Miracle. For those who may not know the story, the 1980 men’s Olympic hockey team achieved the unimaginable and not only won against the USSR, but went on to win the gold medal. This moment in history isn't just about outstanding athletic talent. It is about how an underdog hockey team brought an entire nation together when there was no hope left.

Leading up to the 1980 Olympic Games, America was facing many challenges. Tension with the Soviet Union was high, and the American people were losing faith in overcoming this threat. There was a lack of patriotism. There was hardly any support in the government. Something needed to restore the passion, patriotism, and the belief of the American people.

The 1980 men’s hockey team was able to accomplish that. Regardless of background or interest, people were brought together to watch the game because it wasn't just about athleticism. It was about showing the USSR and the world that the U.S. was strong and capable of overcoming challenges.

When I look back at this moment, I can't help but think how much this relates to current affairs. It seems like for a majority of my childhood, America battled the toughest opponents, went through dark and depressing times, and people lost some of their hope. Maybe there’s another ‘Miracle on Ice’ moment in our midst, but for the time being, we can look back to 1980.

I love America, and I am proud and grateful to live here. We are a country founded on hard work, determination, and perseverance. Time and time again we show the world that we are made of those qualities. We may go through hard times, but we always overcome. And we need to remember that.

If there’s ever a time you doubt yourself or even our country, look to Herb Brooks for some wise words, and never forget how capable you are.

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Why the Miracle on Ice Was More Than a Hockey Game

A game that brought the country together

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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