Over the years, I've seen a tremendous decrease in the attendance of patriotic ceremonies. I've attended dozens of ceremonies involving veterans or active service members, seeing as my family is insanely patriotic. Recently, I attended a Veteran's Day parade in my hometown. What once used to be a parade full of floats, flags, and undying patriotism, now lasts about five minutes and barely has any of those things anymore. It seems as though not many people come out to support their country as they once had years before.
Quite often, I see images of people burning flags on the news and other forms of social media. I've always been taught not to let the flag touch the ground, I couldn't imagine burning one. Opinions of one's country are certainly allowed to be expressed but the stars and stripes signify something more than the United States of America. The flag signifies all of the men and women fighting, and those who have fought, for our freedom. Burning the American flag disrespects all who risk their lives every day so that we can have a better life. It makes me wonder where all of the love and support went, and why it continues to dwindle.
Men and women dressed in uniform out in public are rarely confronted with a "thank you for your service," and a handshake anymore. At the parade, the only person to say anything to my Grandfather who was wearing a USMC sweatshirt, was another Marine, and my Grandfather had initiated it.
A speaker from the ceremony following the parade stated, "A veteran is someone who, at one point, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.’ That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it."
Next time you're out to eat and you see a vet, maybe buy them dinner, or if you're in line waiting for a coffee and someone in uniform is behind you, treat them to one. It really is a small gratitude compared to what they do for us, and they'll appreciate it more than anything. Next time you see a vet, imagine what they've been through, and what their families have been through, and how much they sacrifice for the people of our country. A little bit of thankfulness goes a long way. Don't burn any more American flags, and please, thank him or her for what they do for you, because we are in fact a home of the free because of the brave.
