If one truly believes in the spirit of our freedoms, then showing respect for the symbols of those freedoms is hardly "idolatry!" I just moments ago returned from paying my respects for a WWII veteran with whom I had many "sit down conversations." An amazing man - the likes of which we need more in this present generation. Like my dad, he was from an era when faith, family, and country came first in all things. But, alas, those of the "greatest generation" are passing all too frequently!
Because a person shows respect by saluting the flag or bending to his knees to say a prayer in front of a headstone (for instance), does not make one an idolater. Far from it. Personally, if I did not, I would be a hypocrite. Now, that is the worst!
If respect for ideologies make one's life full, so be it. But to indicate that anyone who freely shows outward respect for our country, and the men and women who serve it - and us, is somehow a lost in the woods idolater...well, now that seems to be wanting things only one way.
I vividly remember as a very young boy going to the cemetery with my parents and caring for the family sites. Flowers, weeding, scrubbing, raking, and then a final prayer. There were two stones several yards away from my grandparents and elder relatives' resting places.
The stones belonged to a man and wife. The husband had died, according to an inscription, in Europe during the Second World War. He was only 32 years old. Located a bit out of the way and under a few large maple trees, no one ever visited nor cared for their grave sites. A single American Flag placed by a local American Legion Post marked his rest as Memorial Day was celebrated each year.
Even as that small child, I was saddened no one stopped there to pull a few weeds or to bend a knee to pray. Before we departed, I always made it a point to do so.
In recent years, there have been no flags, only weeds. However, when I visit each spring to care for my grandparents, older uncles and aunts, a sister, and father, I maintain "our ritual" of showing respect with flowers, bent knees, and some personal thoughts and prayers. To this day, I still stop by the site of that husband and wife to make their resting place look a bit more cared for, even if my efforts are meager. This year my two young boys accompanied me and maybe, just maybe, these "at best rituals," I prefer "traditions," will be continued for many years to come.
"Lest We Forget"
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