Sometimes what’s around the corner is guaranteed by the past.
Today Memorial Day, a day to celebrate those men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, preserving our American way of life.
I know there are a lot of folks complaining about the state of our country and democracy – and late-night ‘comedy’ – but let’s put that aside today and offer thanks to those who made the “ultimate sacrifice”.
But the right to complain/comment part of the uniquely American right of Free Speech, which is what today’s sacrifice ensured. A right under fire from both sides of the aisle…
An attendant thought for the day: The US has survived everything thrown at it, including today’s partisan fights. And will continue to survive and thrive.
My dad a WW2 Coast Guard veteran – imagine the irony of a Nebraska boy in the CG – a defining life milestone; lucky his service honored in November and not today.
He loved this holiday.
As I’m sure all vets do.
And like most vets, never really talked about his war time experience, burying that lede a trademark of The Greatest Generation.
He’d spend today at graveside remembrances, a particularly stirring moment when the ‘commemoration favor’ was returned by uniformed veterans, with the 21- gun salute graveside, followed by the precision flag folding ritual – chill bumps as I visualize…
Add another bumps layer recalling my Air Force veteran brother-in-law’s service and his Grandson playing Taps…
He talked fondly about his service friends, active in the VFW and American Legion where he formed new friendships.
Unfortunately, unchecked on Dad’s bucket list were a ship-mate reunion and a Pearl Harbor visit.
The reunion foiled by our name change from Chesnulevicz, he never appearing in the phone book when reunion planners would check.
Pearl Harbor foiled by his family devotion.
If only…
Fortunately the country coming to its senses after returning Vietnam vets were treated with scorn, the country making the unpardonable mistake of confusing those who fought the war with those who started it.
As Vonnegut opined “There’d be a lot fewer wars if the men who started them, fought them”.
The national “Honoring 180” ensuring we now appreciate those who serve, making “Thank you for your service” and the occasional airplane round of applause honorifics.
And while today’s honorees fought for a number of reasons – foremost because their country ‘asked’ – our fundamental American freedoms top the list.
Perhaps the most important Freedom of Speech, a uniquely American right.
Uniquely taken for granted.
It’s no coincidence that the first thing autocrats target is free speech – – it’s your voice they really want!
Spoiler Alert: All governments, even ours – again, on both sides of the aisle – are envious of this right, ‘knowing’ they can best identify and control ‘mis/disinformation’.
For ‘our own good’, of course.
And yes, our times are “polarizing”, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it’s all in how you polarize.
Unfortunately, we polarize loudly, red faced, personally…without listening.
While today is primarily about demonstrating our gratitude, and reverence, for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, a proper thank you a moment to savor the rights they defended on our behalf.
And how behaving differently might ensure we all continue to enjoy those rights.
So, to truly honor those who died defending our right to speak – even when we disagree- how about we try listening to others respectfully? No matter their opinion(s).
Have conversations that don’t end with vitriol or “hatred”.
Because we don’t have to agree, we just need to live together.
An appropriate tribute to the ultimate sacrifice.
HMD!
Love Is not Enough available on Amazon.com.