Grace, a longtime fixture in the United States and a staple of American society, has been reported missing and is presumed dead.
Often equated with humility, composure, dignity, decency, and poise, Grace has been described by Webster’s as “a controlled, polite, and pleasant way of behaving.” Her influence has been evident in many U.S. presidents, starting with George Washington. Her presence has contributed to many of America’s greatest accomplishments, including the space program of the 1960s. And her impact has been felt throughout history, such as with the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe following World War II.
Many consider the Marshall Plan to be among Grace’s finest hours in the United States, as the nation contributed $13 billion to European countries — roughly $130 billion in current dollars. There were political motivations, of course, as the United States was attempting to stem the influence of Soviet-led communism from Eastern Europe; and there were financial interests, as the American economy benefited from trading partners in a recovering Europe. But there also were humanitarian concerns that reflected the impact that Grace had on U.S. society.
Yet, historians say, the fickle nature of Grace could be seen simultaneously in the Red Scare that permeated portions of American society in the post-World War II years. Many people also note a lack of Grace in the genocide of Native Americans during the 1830s, in slavery prior to the Civil War, and in the interment of American citizens of Japanese descent during World War II. Grace always seemed to reappear in America following such periods of upheaval, however, providing the public with great faith in her durability.
