Some traditions worth keeping

Published 7:44 pm Tuesday, April 22, 2008

This past weekend, I attended the 134th consecutive Confederate Memorial Day services held by our local United Daughters of the Confederacy. Held annually since 1874, I believe it is the longest running ceremony of any sort in our county.

I think it entirely proper to honor all of our ancestors, and perpetuate their traditions for the generations who will follow us.

This week, Thomasville and Thomas County will have another great tradition unfold with our annual Rose Festival, capped off with the always-anticipated Rose Parade on Friday evening.

Now, I know some of you seem to disagree with much of what I have to say, and that’s fine with me. It has never been my intention to do anything here other than move you toward breaking the bonds of mental lethargy and political correctness, and if we disagree you’ve at least thought about what I’ve said.

So, in other words, mission accomplished.

Regardless, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion (regardless of how close to the high heavens the rest of us might think it stinks). But I truly hope what I am about to share is something we can all pretty much agree on.

In the decades I’ve attended the Rose Parade, I’ve noticed a few really aggravating habits from those “watching” the event. Most of these have revolved around unruly kids running or riding their bikes through the parade route with no regard for those actually in the parade…or walking in packs behind those sitting alongside the route cussing at each other with no regard to the small children listening to their every word.

In other words, their parents — curiously yet predictably nowhere to be found — have basically unfettered their spawn on the world for the rest of us to deal with (kind of like teaching. But I digress…).

Of all the negative things I’ve experienced, one lone scene remains etched in my mind.

Some years back, I was sitting over on the Smith Avenue side of the parade — you know, the “home stretch” of the parade down past The Plaza. The Marine Color Guard, normally one of the first units in the parade, marched perfectly in time by us, the United States flag shining brightly in front of them.

As they marched along, an older gentleman, perhaps in his 80s and sitting right by the road in his wheelchair, struggled to his feet. As hard as it was for him, he stood, removed his cap, and on shaking legs saluted the flag as it passed by.

The sight of this old man, obviously a veteran, touched me.

Oh sure, some folks clapped politely. But 99 percent of them just sat there and did absolutely nothing. Men kept their hats on. Women kept chattering with each other. Kids ignored the Marines, choosing to look down the parade route to see which “free candy” float was coming first.

Again, outside this lone old soldier, for whom the task was harder than anyone else around him, no one else stood.

No one.

Unfortunately, we all know this isn’t an uncommon scene these days. What has always been regarded as basic respect for the flag, as well as for the men and women who have served and are serving under it, has become — as have so many honorable and right things – a sad afterthought, an outdated and less ‘progressive’ display.

It used to be called “patriotism.” Maybe you remember it.

The last few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to help CNS television with their broadcasts of the parade as one of their hosts. Being near the main viewing stand, I’ve noticed that a greater percentage of the folks around there show the proper respect the flag deserves.

More than likely, that’s because there are more vets in that area — and, I might add, there are less and less of them every year.

The official Flag Code of the United States reads:

As the flag passes, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their head dress (hat) with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Any veteran (male or female) not in uniform may also render the hand salute. Aliens should stand at attention.

There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t thank the Lord above that I am and always have been an American. When you start considering the alternatives, every single one of us should be likewise.

Let’s just put it this way: you don’t see people literally risking their lives trying to get into Russia or Uganda these days, do you?

This week, as the parades unfold, do the right thing and at least stand as the flag of your nation comes by. Men, take off your hats. Tell your kids to stand and show respect, too. Better yet, show them how to do it, and explain to them why it matters.



 



And if no one else around you does likewise, you do it anyway. Like that old soldier, it’s far better to be one bold enough to make a stand for something you know to be right than one of the faceless thousands lost yet comfortably numb in doing wrong.