Remembering Sacrifices Americans Make This Memorial Day Weekend!
Around the world
it seems that those who observe the way America works don’t understand what
makes Americans so committed to the causes they support. Whether it is in
America’s own internal matters or in how we approach the world, there is no
question that the way we deploy our vast resources is often confusing and
perplexing to people who don’t understand the American mind.
But what is at
the heart of what makes Americans great is something that is seldom spoken of
because it isn’t “cool” or “in”.It is
that sense of duty to family, to nation and to others that is really at the
heart of so much of what we do.That
sense of duty is deeply ingrained in the American conscience so much so that
even in the youth of this country, there is an instinct that dictates that we
as a nation will behave in a moral and ethical fashion.
The call to duty
is reflected in what is called the “spirit of volunteerism” that is evident in
every sector of this society.The way
Americans respond to the needs of others reflects that they feel a sense of
duty to others.And Americans in trouble
know they can look over their shoulders when disaster strikes and their fellow Americans
will be there to help out.
This was never
so evident than after the horrible storm that hit New Orleans called Hurricane
Katrina.While some stood around and
complained that the government didn’t respond fast enough, most of America knew
instinctively that it was the job of each of us as neighbors and fellow
citizens of this great land to lend a hand to help the people of New
Orleans.
Some responded
with money because that is all they could do.One of the most amazing things to witness especially in the week just
after the storm was how all across the nation, people opened their homes to
take in refugees from Katrina and give them a warm bed, some good food and some
comfort when disaster took all they had.This wasn’t done out a sense of guilt or for profit.In fact, usually when complete strangers
opened their home to help those affected by the storm, those families gave up a
little of their own money, comfort and food so those in need could have
something.
To be sure, the
American religious community showed their characteristic love, sharing,
compassion and duty when they reached out to Katrina victims.But it didn’t stop with the religious
community. All across this great nation, Americans of every faith and from
every walk of life and economic station stepped up to help when help was
needed.The media didn’t notice it but
this was one of the most phenomenal outpourings of caring, compassion in
history and it demonstrated that sense of duty that said, “I have to take care
of my fellow Americans because it is my duty.”
That sense of
duty that underlies so much of what Americans do for others doesn’t just
surface when disaster strikes here at home.It comes out when we reach out to any country around the world when
trouble comes their way.We lay aside
whether that country is an ally or foe of America and we help out. Americans
see people in need their sense of duty said, we have to help. And help we do. That sense of
duty is a basic component of the American sense of right and wrong.You can see it reflected in how we behave as
individuals, helping each other in times of trouble and as our government
behaves when a larger effort is needed.It is basic to our family lives, our religious beliefs and our values as
a people.But it is so often
misunderstood or overlooked that it is good to step back like this and notice
that one of the reasons America is a great country is because of the sense of
duty in her citizens.
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