I was talking to the school vice-principal last night and he said something that was disturbing to me. He has been in school adminstration for twenty-five years and he said he has noticed in the last few years a serious increase in apathy among students and parents. It has been his experience that neither kids nor parents seem to care about much of anything including getting in trouble or having bad grades. While he did not say it in so many words, I feel like his outlook for the future is not as bright as it used to be. It is a sad commentary on this generation that the only things that concern us have to affect us directly and immediately with no thought for the future or for other people.
I thought about this sad state of affairs and, of course, wondered what could be done about it and also what separates this generation from what critics call "The Greatest Generation" of World War II era. As I researched this I came across a fascinating and hope-giving article about Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham. Corporal Dunham did not live in "The Greatest Generation" nor is he currently in any school history books. You can read his story here but to summarize Corporal Dunham sacrificed the greatest sacrifice in April of 2004 when he was attacked in Iraq with his patrol near the Syrian border. Corporal Dunham received this country's greatest honor, the Medal of Honor, postumously for his bravery and sacrifice and for saving the lives of many other Marines when he hurled himself on top of a hand grenade, using his helmet to try to blunt the force of the blast. He was killed with that last, unselfish act but many were saved and I can tell you that at least one man was extremely grateful for Corporal Dunham's service and duty and sacrifice and not only am I grateful to him, it gives me renewed hope about this generation as a whole.
I have several questions that come to mind as I think about this. Is heroism like Corporal Dunham showed something that is only instilled by the military or can civilians show that kind of bravery as well? Also, how often does something similar happen and we never hear about it because someone was "just doing his duty"? I would love to meet the parents of Corporal Dunham. What did they give him in his youth that made him such an honorable soldier and human being and how can I take those same qualities for myself and disperse them to the ones over whom I have influence? I would love to be able to personally give my heart-felt condolences but also my admiration for them and their son as I know they also sacrificed in a way no parent should have to experience.
I am quite sure that it is not just military men and women who show such bravery. One often hears about people making sacrifices and showing great courage. I also know that there is something special about the men and women in uniform for our country. There is something different about the mindset of soldiers that I can only wish I had. I regret not joining that elite group when I had the chance so that I, too, could serve this great nation but I will always be grateful to the ones who do. Not only in this generation but in generations past I find heroes. My friend Bud served in World War II and his wife will tell amazing stories of his bravery since he is too modest to tell them himself. I have family members and friends who have served and faced death in foreign countries so that I can live in peace and freedom.
Another question that comes up is how to show my appreciation. My flag will continue to wave outside my house on this and every day and its presence is a constant reminder of my freedom and what it took to acquire and keep that freedom. I will be honored to buy a soldier's meal at a restaurant or his groceries at the supermarket. I also felt like it was part of my duty as a grateful American to tell this story but I believe the best way I could show my appreciation is in prayer. James 5:16 says that prayer is powerful and effective and I promise to ask for God's power and blessings on all men and women in the military and their families. Thank you all for what you have done and continue to do for me and all Americans. Your service is not taken for granted!
No comments:
Post a Comment