FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Hubby and I walked through a National Cemetery.  It was very moving.  We felt humbled that so many served to preserve our freedom and defend freedom around the world.  As we looked around, we saw row after row after row of white stones. 

 

Each stone had a name and rank.  Each stone represented a time in that person’s life when they were willing to leave their family to defend freedom.  

Along the back, a wall contained the remains of those who chose cremation.  Again, a sober reminder that service to our country comes with a price. 

Earlier, on our trip, we had seen a monument to “the glorious memory of our native sons who paid the supreme sacrifice” and “also in everlasting gratitude to those who daring to die, survived.”  Those words came back to me as we saw dates that indicated some died in battle and some died many years later.

As we were walking to another section, I saw them.  Here – in this place of honor.  What were they doing here?  As they came closer, I knew my first impression was correct.  As they came closer, it was even worse than I thought!

They looked 19 – 22 years old.  She had pink hair.  Not a soft pink used as an accent.  Bright pink!  And the clothes she had on.  Really!  Talk about not being respectful.  The piercings did not help.  He had on baggy pants, but to his credit, his underwear was not showing.  Of course there was a chain from a belt loop going to somewhere that made no sense.  Punky hair and things stuck in each ear and his nose.  His nose.  Then they were beside me.  Then they spoke.

Looking at me with genuine eyes, he said, “We love to walk here.  It is so peaceful and such an honor to realize they served for us.”

And with that, they walked on down the path.  And with that, I apologized to God for judging these two fine young people.

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Every sports page.  Every sports show.  Every sports report – we hear:  Colin Kaepernick kneels during National Anthem.  It has become an epidemic.  You would think no one stands for the National Anthem.  You would think no one shows respect.  You would think ….

Let me tell you:  THAT IS NOT TRUE!!  Just last week we were at the Half Century of Progress when the American Flag was raised and the National Anthem sung.  When it was announced that it was time to raise the flag, every golf cart, ATV and electric cart of any kind was immediately turned off.  All conversation stopped.  Seed corn hats were removed.  This farm show spreads over 400 acres and the only sound you could hear were the first notes of the National Anthem.

120’ X 65’ flag flying high between two cranes

A football player making gazillions might not respect the country that gives him the opportunity to throw a ball around but those that get their hands dirty in the soil sure do.  One football player makes the news.  Thousands of quiet farmers do not. 

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It seems we all trust our first impressions.  We know we are right.  But are we?