TRR photo by Pat Camuso Michael Sexsmith passed through Shohola on Saturday on his 2500-mile journey from Alberta, Canada to the site of the former World Trade Center. (Click for larger image)

Messenger on horseback

By PAT CAMUSO

SHOHOLA, PA — An intrepid traveler, straight out of the 1800s, passed through Pike County last weekend on his way to the World Trade Center site.

Michael Sexsmith began his 2500-mile journey through time and space on April 12 just north of the Montana border in Alberta, Canada. He left with his painted horse named “Two Tone” and packhorse “Juan Big Star” in tow. Volunteering on the journey in support of Sexsmith is Tammy Shebansky of Alberta.

“I’m doing it for many reasons,” said Sexsmith as Two Tone nudged his shoulder. He said that he chose to travel in the meager style of the 1800s, patterning on a character in his unpublished manuscript entitled “Four Ever Faith,” to bring a character named the “Twenty First Kid” to life.”

His goal of reaching downtown Manhattan, he said, is in support of Canadian troops currently in harm’s way in Afghanistan, but he emphasized that he lends this support in a spirit of peace and a show of solidarity with the United States.

Sexsmith drew a parallel between the Vietnam conflict and the ongoing war against terrorism that now threatens us with imminent war in Iraq.

“The goal of the Vietnam War was clearly political,” said Sexsmith. “The goal in Afghanistan and perhaps very soon in Iraq is peace—sometimes you have to fight for peace,” he said.

“And whether you agree with the politics of any war, the peacekeepers (as Sexsmith likes to call all members of the military) are carrying it out from a sense of patriotism and a desire for peace. They all deserve our support.”

Sexsmith said patriotism of the American people was readily apparent as he traveled through Montana and down through the Midwest.

Unlike many news reports coming out of Canada these days, Sexsmith was open in his support of President George Bush and his current foreign policy. He said that he is not very familiar with nuances of American politics but he is satisfied that Bush’s only goal is world peace.

“We are very close to [the goal of world peace] if not for a few evil men and rogue countries that must conform,” he said.