Pre-Boomer Musings

People seem to have lost respect for the symbols of our great country, and we are willing to watch these once important expressions of unity slip away.  As a pre-boomer, I learned the stories behind the things that were sacred to all Americans.  Growing up in Philadelphia stimulated my interest in this nation’s history.  I was, and still am, proud to be an American.

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The other day, at a sporting event, the national anthem was played, replete with a color guard and an outstanding tenor belting out the words of the Star Spangled Banner.  It sent a chill up my spine.  I sang the words and stood erect with my right hand over my heart, as I had done countless times before.  My eyes scanned across the crowd, and what I saw disappointed me. 

Few in attendance had their hands over their hearts.  Fewer still were standing in a respectful manner.  And fewer yet were making any attempt to sing the words written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812.  Instead people were running up and down the aisles to get into their seats before the game started.  Those in their seats were drinking and carrying on.  And a number of attendees didn’t even remove their hats for the occasion.  A quick analysis of the crowd indicated that many of them were young — teens, twenties and early thirties.  Nobody reacted to their inappropriate behavior, including me.

I thought about the experience and realized this would never have happened in the America of my youth.  Citizens would have told those being disrespectful to shut up, stand up and sing, as well as to take that damn hat off.  Not anymore.  People are supposed to be able to do their own thing, even when it comes to ignoring the symbols that represent personal freedoms.  I was ashamed for not reacting when I could have and plan to say something the next time this happens, and it surely will.

In the meantime, I need to tell this story to my grown children and solicit their response.  More important, I want to talk with my grandchildren to find out what they have been taught in school about the history of these little celebrations of this nation and learn how the young ones conduct themselves during these occurrences.  If each pre-boomers passes on what they know and how they feel about our beloved country, we might help the trailing generations understand why it’s a blessing to be an American.  For those who believe this, it’s very easy to be respectful.
 

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