May the 4th Be With You!

On May 25th, 1977, George Lucas unveiled to the masses his most prized possession: The Star Wars Universe. Thousands did lines around the movie theaters’ blocks to witness the onscreen magic and special effects that made this franchise a cult classic and part of Americana. It was the first movie to forgo rolling opening credits, and that started the movie with a scrolling preface. The technology used was leap and bounds ahead of conventional movie making and its progenitor companies, Skywalker Sound, THX and Industrial Light and Magic, would become juggernauts in their own right within the film industry. Not to mention what it did to cement Jim Henson’s Creature Workshop as the leading authority in the subject.

For a couple of years now, I have noticed that May the 4th, known also as Star Wars Day, has become a very popular and world renowned holiday. Wherever there is a fan of the movies and expanded universe there seems to be a mention of the motto “May the force be with you”. Get it? This play on words day has become an official celebration of all things Star Wars. From LEGO sets to BB8 car chargers, there is a barrage of products to choose from, all being heavily advertised today to make sure you show your pride and love for the subject. They want you to spend your hard earned credits in a parsec, feeding the Sarlac Pit off your nostalgia.

It didn’t surprise me that today every radio station and news outlet is jumping into the bandwagon. Many woke up this morning to see Darth Vader or the crew of The Force Awakens showing support for the official Star Wars fan holiday. Some of my friends started their morning dressed in their best Star Wars attire, which is the correct nerd protocol for such an important occasion. Thank the Force that the workplace dress codes allows for this, but you may want to leave your lightsabers and weapons safely secured at home.

Watch the movies, wear your favorite t-shirt, or just share funny memes. The intention is to bring a smile to your face as you reminisce about the joy you felt when you saw your first Episode. It was one of the main reasons sci-fi and space travel became centerpoints of my personality. That and remembering to let the Wookie win.

Thank you Chewy, R2-D2, Yoda, Obi-Wan, Darth Vader, Han, Leia and Luke for teaching me all I needed to know about love, war, rebellion, and the pursuit of happiness. There is no greater satisfaction than to get the Millennium Falcon combat ready or to fly a Rogue Squadron X-Wing against the Empire. It is these flights of fancy that keep my spirit young and ny heart full of excitement. May the new generation of fans benefit from this Galaxy, Far, Far Away as much as the previous generations did. After all, it is your destiny!