This senior citizen is extremely concerned. Our computerized world has lost the values of what our country, United States of America, stands for, seemingly. Can understand values will never be what they were during the forties; however, what harm would there be in practicing these steps, hmmmm?
PLEASE - let us bring back the basics of what our beautiful country stands for, and observe Holidays properly.
RESPECT:
Display respect for our United States flag , when displayed during passing parades, ceremonies, etc. At LEAST stand in recognition and honor placing your hand on your heart.
Respect our national leaders. Especially our President (whoever he may be), who was elected by a majority vote by free Americans who are allowed this privilege. Support him, he obviously is aware of any situation, more than anyone, he has access to that information --- we do not because of security reasons. Accept that.
Teach your children to respect elders and others, by setting examples. Should you mock older people and treat them as less an individual, they will also. Teach them manners in all respects, purchase a book on etiquette should you not know yourself. Males remove their hats during inside activities in a public place, treat others with respect especially children, teach children to stay by an adult while in public places, and not to converse with strangers or be tempted to go with them, never use foul language when other words will be as functional.
Should you not recognize what a holiday observance is, return to the dictionary and study it. Influence your children to that knowledge and meaning. Never consider a Holiday as merely a day off from work! Accept our Holidays as revered and an anticipated day to practice activities in accordance.
FAMILY:
Return to the family oriented way of life. Take time to know your children, have meals, and entertainment TOGETHER. Have conversations with one another concerning happy and unhappy matters. LISTEN to your children, you may be surprised at their knowledge of life, and seek ways in understanding one another. Encourage them to be interested in learning, and encourage them to have goals in life, this is very important.
LOVE:
What an important word!!! Have observed during this time (2003) that the United States of America have a FEW citizens who are complaining. We wonder what type of mentality these people represent. Of course, there are those of us remaining who are extremely patriotic ---- and very much LOVE our country. We need to accept other people regardless of their nationalities, religious beliefs, or color. The time is right for ridding ourselves of PREJUDISM. Listen to other people who are "different" than you. You may be surprised at what they say, understand others with an open mind. Expound your knowledge. Learn about others and their opinions. We definitely need more love, and less hatred in our wonderful country. Forget the negative feelings, which merely spread discontent in your own life and others. Love is not a "bad" word, show respect and consideration for all. Be PROUD and love your country!
MORALS:
In my opinion, this word has become LOST in meaning. Think about it. Observe with this in mind, TV, on the net, movies, and in general every day living. What has happened? Should you not be familiar with the meaning, again, look it up in the dictionary, and live your personal lives accordingly.
We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial about the USA. I think this is very much worth reading and passing on. It says a lot. Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title "C"ntarea Americii meaning "Ode To America") on September 24, 2002 in the Romanian newspaper Evenimentulzilei ("The Daily Event" or "News of the Day").
~An Ode to America~
Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs. Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart.
Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, and the secret services that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about.
The Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing.
On every occasion, they started singing their traditional song: "God Bless America!" I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people.
How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word an musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put in a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy. What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way?
Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace. I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion... Only freedom can work such miracles.
Having lived during WWII as a teenager, was asked the question - what do you remember most about the Forties?
Tears of sadness over news of a friend or relative being killed or missing in action. Missing our male school friends, who left to join the service. Rationing of necessities such as shoes, fabrics to sew up clothing to wear, candy bars (not made of soy beans), hamburgers (not made from horse meat), dating (because our boyfriends were serving our country) cigarettes, and most of all "chocolate bars".
We who have lived in this generation, will understand. This is not complaining ---because our generation did not complain EVER, or blame our President Franklin Roosevelt or Truman, these are merely the facts. Neither did our brave soldiers.
Imagine the impact of WWII on the generation of today!!!!!!
Movie stars --- During WWII we had many who served, and many of them were proud hero's fighting for the freedom of our country, the United States of America.
Protestors --- We did not have any! We loved our country and always proud to be AMERICANS.
Our President ---- We were of the opinion that he was a great man with many duties to fulfill, we admired him. To not show respect would be Un-American.
Respect --- And love. We had a lot of that, it was contagious!
Because of our American WWII soldiers and those who fought side by side for our country with HONOR, we are living in freedom today. And, our POWs, many still missing today.
Is not it a shame that some people in this Country fail to realize that - and most of all - am wondering who they "hate" more??? Themselves???
