TODAY, many American youngsters know more about the virtual game "Medal of Honor” than about their own predecessors who earned the award on the battlefield. That is good, because it reflects the relative peace that has reigned in recent decades. But it’s sad because enjoying that peace should come with an understanding of the cost paid to secure it.
Every year, we celebrate our independence, the value of our labor, our veterans, and we end the year giving thanks in November and praising a higher power in December.
But only one day do we set aside to commemorate those whose past selfless acts ensured our gathering for those other occasions, but assured their absence.
Fallen military members and first responders exemplify the teaching in the Gospel of John that, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The depth of their love is evidenced in national cemeteries from Arlington in Virginia to Honolulu in Hawaii, and beyond our shores from Asia to Africa.
They met their final moments defending the ultimate aspirations of founders like James Madison. Yet on this day, their day, their posterity will more likely storm the offerings of Madison Avenue, buying this, shopping for that, eating, drinking, laughing, relaxing.
And, to a degree, the fallen would approve because Memorial Day should not solely consist of sadness and tears. Nevertheless, at least a moment’s reflection on their concept of duty seems appropriate. Not duty as in an order or obligation, but duty as in their belief that one’s country and its citizens were worthy of protection.
Few adults in today’s me-first America comprehend that idea. Even fewer children understand, and yet a precious few do, like Xander Vento of Arlington.
Years ago, Xander, just 4 years old, saw a 3-year-old girl drowning in a pool. Without hesitation, he went to her aid. He lifted her head above water, and he slowly maneuvered the child to a shallower section. Tragically, all the time he elevated her, Xander’s face remained beneath the surface, and in the process of saving her, he lost his own life. Faced at age 4 with a difficult task, Xander Vento displayed that rare sense of character and duty.
An old proverb makes it plain: "What is down in the well, comes up in the bucket.”
So, it was with young Xander, so, it is with the fallen Coast Guard, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, and first responders, we should revere this Memorial Day. Their day.
For this is not so much a day about war or crime, or beans and barbecue, but about the men and women who thought the rest of us, where we live, our continuing pursuit of a more perfect union, were worthy.
(John McCaa is a board member of Carry the Load and a retired WFAA-TV news anchor)
Every year, we celebrate our independence, the value of our labor, our veterans, and we end the year giving thanks in November and praising a higher power in December.
But only one day do we set aside to commemorate those whose past selfless acts ensured our gathering for those other occasions, but assured their absence.
Fallen military members and first responders exemplify the teaching in the Gospel of John that, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The depth of their love is evidenced in national cemeteries from Arlington in Virginia to Honolulu in Hawaii, and beyond our shores from Asia to Africa.
They met their final moments defending the ultimate aspirations of founders like James Madison. Yet on this day, their day, their posterity will more likely storm the offerings of Madison Avenue, buying this, shopping for that, eating, drinking, laughing, relaxing.
And, to a degree, the fallen would approve because Memorial Day should not solely consist of sadness and tears. Nevertheless, at least a moment’s reflection on their concept of duty seems appropriate. Not duty as in an order or obligation, but duty as in their belief that one’s country and its citizens were worthy of protection.
Few adults in today’s me-first America comprehend that idea. Even fewer children understand, and yet a precious few do, like Xander Vento of Arlington.
Years ago, Xander, just 4 years old, saw a 3-year-old girl drowning in a pool. Without hesitation, he went to her aid. He lifted her head above water, and he slowly maneuvered the child to a shallower section. Tragically, all the time he elevated her, Xander’s face remained beneath the surface, and in the process of saving her, he lost his own life. Faced at age 4 with a difficult task, Xander Vento displayed that rare sense of character and duty.
An old proverb makes it plain: "What is down in the well, comes up in the bucket.”
So, it was with young Xander, so, it is with the fallen Coast Guard, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, and first responders, we should revere this Memorial Day. Their day.
For this is not so much a day about war or crime, or beans and barbecue, but about the men and women who thought the rest of us, where we live, our continuing pursuit of a more perfect union, were worthy.
(John McCaa is a board member of Carry the Load and a retired WFAA-TV news anchor)