Shame on Us

I watched British TV last Sunday with great interest, as they celebrated Remembrance Day. It's always held with great pageantry on the Sunday closest to November 11th. The queen was there, along with all the ranking members of government, dozens of old war vets, bands, and, oh yes, thousands of ordinary citizens. At exactly 11 AM, as bells sounded across the entire nation, all activity ceased for a minute of silence, in honor of war dead. The tradition started after WW I, of course, but has carried on to this day almost unchanged. In Britain, as in Canada, there is an ongoing respect, admiration, and appreciation of those who have served and died. It's what these fallen soldiers most certainly deserve. I've been proud to wear a red poppy on my lapel for the past two weeks - more on the poppy in a later post.
How does America celebrate Veterans Day? For most, it's a great opportunity to hit the mall, take in a movie, or begin getting out the Christmas decorations. I'd bet that if you asked 100 Americans why this holiday is on November 11th, maybe 5 would know the correct answer. Sure, the President will lay down a wreath at Arlington and there might be a couple of hundred people there, probably more for the opportunity to see the President than honor the dead. Maybe it's because we have fought so many wars and have lost so many people. Maybe we're just jaded to it all. We build fancy memorials; other nations pay fitting tribute and truly remember and honor the sacrifice, once a year, on a very special day, and in a very special way.
I'm afraid we're far too busy for all of that. Shame on us.