In April 1976, the Chicago Cubs were in Los Angeles playing the Dodgers. During the game, two men ran on the field and tried to burn the American flag. The Cubs centerfielder and an ex-Marine, Rick Monday, raced over and scooped up the flag before it caught fire. Monday played for 19 years but never made a more important play than that one.

I was a young Cubs fan watching that moment unfold. That moment stayed with me, and I especially recall it every July 4^th. Thirty years later, when I had the chance to interview Monday in Los Angeles, he was still very emotional about it, and so was I.

That interview was used for one of my first blogs for Global Traveler. Three hundred sixty-six blogs later, it still remains one of my favorites. Baseball, travel and patriotism converged to deliver a powerful moment for me.

As I flew to Los Angeles to meet Monday, the 11-year-old fan in me was giddy about meeting one of my favorites. The writer in me was excited about a good story. When we talked and I felt his raw emotion, it took another level of significance.

I will always be grateful to Global Traveler for giving me the avenue for this moment. I now feel a connection to the most important patriotic event I ever witnessed.

That trip was filled with fantastic food, side trips to the Pacific Ocean, Hollywood and LaJolla, two baseball games and more, but the highlight by far was my moment with Monday. Every time I hear the National Anthem or see our flag, I remember Monday and his effort.

Yesterday, as fireworks exploded and America celebrated its independence, I recalled Monday and gave thanks to him and everyone else who has fought for our freedom.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist