R-E-S-P-E-C-T

R-E-S-P-E-C-T - © Kent Fletcher
October 10, 2006

As I sit here at the computer on a gorgeous, rainy morning in a drought-stricken area of Texas, a couple of things come to mind, first being it's nice and cool and I need to go to Fort Worth, but because of the flash-flood warning out at the moment, plus the roads will be slicker than snot for the wont of rain, second being the emails I've received in the past couple of days regarding respect for the Flag of the United States of America. While the first thing is a very welcome sight for very sore eyes, the second notion is of more concern to me, at the moment.

One day last week I received an email from an old friend in Norfolk, VA, who had forwarded a statement from a retired Navy Admiral, the context here:

Subject: Fw: Veterans Saluting
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2006 18:33:16 -0400

Veterans Saluting

Of late, a number of my retired friends and I have talked about veterans saluting instead of placing their hand over their heart when the national anthem is played, the pledge of allegiance is recited, the national colors pass in review or are posted, honors are rendered, or when Taps is played while salutes are fired at military funerals. The hand over the heart has simply been a custom. For military folks, saluting uncovered or indoors seems a bit unnatural, but somehow the hand over the heart never felt comfortable. For us, it was more natural to salute, plus we felt we had earned the right to salute if we wanted.

Now we are in yet another shooting war, adding new veterans every day. If the hand-over-the-heart custom is to ever be changed for us, now would be as good a time as any. We feel that thousands of veterans saluting at NFL, MLB, and/or NBA games while the national anthem is being played would send a patriotic message to the crowd and perhaps the TV audience. It would be visual evidence of how many have served, all still patriots if they are saluting - a fact otherwise unknown.

Recently a poll was conducted in the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) monthly magazine, prompted by an Army friend of mine, Major General Vernon B. Lewis, USA (Ret.). General Lewis wanted to see if other veterans agreed that the hand salute was a more appropriate way for veterans to honor the flag, fallen comrades and our country. His e-mail address was included in the poll.

Several hundred veterans responded electronically to the MOAA poll, with over 80% favoring the salute over the hand-on-the-heart method of showing respect. General Lewis received over 100 e-mails that reflected an even greater percentage of salute approvals. So it seems apparent that the vast majority of veterans feel more comfortable with the salute. I know I do. Those who oppose the idea could certainly continue the former method. It is a matter of the heart, pride, and personal choice. MOAA, of course, is an officers' association, but I find it difficult to believe the enlisted veterans would feel any differently.

Veterans are by and large a proud and patriotic group of Americans. Most want to share their love of flag and country with others. So the sponsors have decided to encourage other veterans to salute if they are comfortable doing so, and to spread the word through unit organizations, associations, and veterans' publications. We believe this movement will pick up momentum and proliferate and very soon have a life of its own. We welcome the help of all vets in their own organizations and circles.

Rear Admiral S. Frank Gallo, USN (Ret.)

This morning I received yet another email from an acquaintance on the west coast, who also forwarded a message from a retiree:

From: "Mike Frady"

Date: 2006/10/09 Mon AM 10:05:52 EDT
Subject: RESPECT

Good day all,

Just a line or two to pass on an observation. This past weekend the wife and I attended the Flora MacDonald Highland Games in Red Springs , NC . We were there primarily to participate with our S.A.M.S. Post (1775) in the Color Guard. It had been quite some time since either of us had done this, but even with the poor weather, we had a great time. I was surprised, to say the least, to be given the honor of carrying our country's flag. As we marched around the field, memories flooded back of past times, and pride swelled up inside. But as we passed the bleachers, I noticed that there were quite a few people who chose not to stand and pay respects. Why? I wish I had an answer for that. Too cold? Too wet? No place to set their food/drink down? Lazy? Whatever the reason, it saddened me somewhat. But as we turned the corner and made our way back towards the reviewing stand, I saw out of the corner of my eye an elderly man, no doubt a veteran of some past conflict, struggle his way up from his wheelchair with the help of crutches and a family member, stand and snap a sharp salute as we passed. This made the whole thing worth it.

Pass this on to others, so that they will hopefully take a moment or two to pause and think about those who stand ready to defend this nation and it's people 24/7 while they sit comfortable in their seats. And hopefully, they will take just a second or two to put down the funnel cake, soda, or book, and stand as the Colors pass by.

All gave Some, but Some gave all.

You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for ANYTHING.

For those who fought for it, FREEDOM has a flavor that the protected will NEVER know!

Mike Frady, USAF Ret.

There are few folks in this day and time who really don't give a hoot about the flag they live under, for the sacrifices of those who have gone before them, and who still live among them, some mangled by war, some mangled by PTSD. It's funny how these men and women who have been there and done that are so casual in their everyday attitudes, and yet will stand and render as sharp a salute as any still serving, knowing they had something to do with the way the US populace lives today.

Respect. A simple term, and like the word "if", it bears a whole lot of meaning for the veterans. It is sad, to me, that more people here in Texas will rise to the occasion of the Mexican flag than the US flag they live under. What is wrong with this picture?

Next month, Veterans' Day rolls around for the men and women who have served in the US armed forces around the world. It's beginnings are long and tried, and you can find that history here: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp . I encourage you all to go read it, so that perhaps you can glean a better understanding of the veterans. As it was proclaimed by Congress on June 4, 1926, the 11th of November 1918 was the official end to the Great War. Originally known as Armistice Day, the event has been celebrated for going on 88 years. It is a day to be celebrated by ALL Americans, and more by all the free people of the world who have benefitted from the ultimate sacrifice of so many men and women of the United States.

Lastly, whenever the mention of the veterans comes up and their respect for the flag, I am reminded of a picture I once saw. The picture shows an old man rising from a wheelchair as the colors come by during a parade, the only man rising in fact among a group of people sitting on their arses enjoying the day. A sad day for all who really don't know what the hell they've got, except for that one old man, possibly a veteran, probably just a man who knows of the sacrifices made by others.

Please, feel free to pass this writing on to others, if you deem it worthy. It is just MY opinion, after all, but one which I proudly proclaim.