Dear George, Thanks for the Memories

In Chuckonia, there is never any question when considering our favorite movies, and we must honor the greatest today. 30 years ago, when Jimmy Carter was in the White House, disco was in the last half of its reign, and America had never heard of "reality TV," we were given (as Steven Spielberg put it) a gift we didn't even know we wanted until George gave it to us. The George we speak of is, of course, George Lucas, and the gift was Star Wars. Though orignally debuting as Episode 4 in a series of unknown length, the original film itself was enough to captivate the imaginations of millions, create the concept of a "blockbuster," set numerous records in the film industry, and change the face of cinema forever. It was the new American mythology and it put science-fiction back in the catalogs of American movies. Though reviving archetypes of old, it told a new kind of story that no one had ever seen, and when followed by The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, created the greatest epic saga ever. Now, two years after the third prequel film's release, completing the six-part series, we are glad to be able to enjoy the entire galactic drama, but cannot help but love the original three films most. The story is so simple and yet so powerful. It is a story of redemption, devotion, family, and a selfless struggle that stands the test of time.
The story of our introduction to the galaxy far, far away is unique for one of our generation. Our parents were not in the class of baby-boomer Star Wars fans, so we did not come by it naturally. At age 10, while channel-surfing late one Friday night, we came upon an airing of Star Wars on the USA Network. TIE Fighters were heading for the Death Star and the next few minutes were so captivating that we stayed up late to watch the rest. Soon after, we rented the entire trilogy and fell forever in love with this masterpiece. The story was beautiful, the characters realistic, the visuals enthralling, and the messages clear. Over the years, good films come and go, but a story like Star Wars is worth watching again and again. It brings out the child in us and pulls us in to feel like part of the action. As fiction goes, it truly is the greatest story ever told.
Thanks for everything, George.