I wonder whatever happened to the solemn, reverential “Memorial Day” that I remember from the “old” days. Somehow, over the years, it has evolved from something essentially serious to a three-day holiday where, if there is some reverence, it is a nod to the grave stones just before leaving on a short vacation where the emphasis is on fun and barbecuing.
But maybe this is just another example of how– principally my generation — has permitted our country to downgrade over the past six decades.
Sadly, being old, I can remember and envy the values of WWII. I”d like to think the freedoms that were worth fighting and dying for then mean the same now.
I don”t think they do. Things like pride in country as a whole nation, fairness, responsibility, and paying one”s debts seem to have changed to emphasize a far more selfish and “me first” attitude.
To me, the nationwide attitude of democratic government that include such things as moderation, negotiation, compromise and such to best meet the people”s desires has long-since disappeared in favor of masses of special interests to benefit special people and businesses.
Fairness to all was called price fixing and rationing to prevent a rich few from cornering short-supply goods, there was a serious work ethic, education was revered and thought valuable and a lot of us used the G.I. Bill (two-thirds of beneficiaries used it for specific craft training, savings were important ? recall savings bonds and defense stamps ? because “installment buying on credit” was thought to be foolhardy for most things, what you had committed-to, you honored and with the WWII commitment there was no thought other than to pay the bills.
The means used were appropriate, progressive taxation that had its basis in ability to pay rather than political ideology.
I”m sure there were many who perhaps didn”t like some of the things that had to be done, but went along because our country was considered paramount, not the individual.
Back then, attitudes were simply different. Things now considered socialist, as the armed forces, Manhattan Project, TVA, WPA, etc., were appreciated for what they gave back to the country, which was all important regardless of cost.
If someone then had suggested that free speech was a blue, nude, protest runner, flag burning, or money, they would have been laughed down.
There were no problems that could not be handled with care, conscience, and compromise. And there were few, if any, consultants/lobbyists making large pay to influence people who should be acting for their constituents.
I”m sorry, but I feel the country has gone astray, and, I guess, I prefer a lot of the older values and virtues, those that WWII people and servicemen felt were right. Problem is that these seem to have changed and the present version reflects what the people seem to want now.
When I think of Memorial Day and honoring our dead, I feel I need to apologize for not honoring their beliefs.
Guthrie “Guff” Worth
Lakeport
