Odd bits of memory come to us as we age. The latest ear worm is an ad from my youth. “See the USA in your Chevrolet, America is asking you to call. See the USA in your Chevrolet, America’s the greatest land of all.” That one would never air today; it might offend someone who doesn’t agree that America is great.
It’s true that our country has made its share of mistakes. America is made up of people, and people tend to make mistakes. Some of us learn from them, others not so much.
Humans remember what they are taught and, lately, I wonder about what we don’t teach. In the small-town school I attended, each day began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by music. Our books contained a variety of patriotic songs, as well as the themes for all branches of our military. We got to choose what to sing, and someone always asked for a patriotic song.
World War Two had just ended. All of us knew someone who had served, maybe someone who didn’t return, or someone who carried battle scars, invisible or otherwise. I came to believe, and still do, that anyone running for President should have served in the military. If you’re going to send someone into battle you ought to have experienced what that means.
We celebrate Independence Day this week. There will be picnics, outings at the lake, and fireworks. Few of us think how former combat veterans are affected by the fireworks. Few of us consider our responsibility to keep freedom alive.
One of my grandsons did a tour in Iraq. His service to our country didn’t end when he took off the uniform. He’s an EMT, a firefighter, on the village board, and the go-to-guy in his community to organize fund raisers, as well as a member of a group which helps vets who are struggling, and the person whom people call when they need a hand with some chore.
We don’t teach civics, as such, in our schools nowadays. My teachers stressed the importance of not committing a felony because we’d lose our right to vote, carry firearms, or serve in public office. What would be different in today’s America if that were still true? What would be different if all residents were required, upon reaching 18, to sign up for two years of service to their country? Not necessarily the military; there are plenty of programs which serve freedom and make America strong.
I guess what I’m asking is this. What can you and I do, right here, right now, to assure that freedom survives? What should we be teaching our youth; what strengths of character should we insist on when supporting candidates for office? What should be the parameters of behavior allowed in our homes and communities?
I didn’t care much for some of the rules my parents laid down for my growing up years, but all arguments ended when they said, “As long as you’re putting your feet under my table…” When we brought up the subject of our “rights” with teachers, they said our rights ended where someone else’s nose began. End of discussion.
Compassion is a good thing. So is personal responsibility. So are rules. Stir those together and you have the keys to freedom.