Apathy is our enemy

I had the honor of attending the Memorial Day service for fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen, held at Pinecrest Memorial Park on May 31. Considering the rainfall, there were a goodly number of people attending.

I feel, however, considering the importance of our military to this greatest of all nations, the number attending should have been much greater. Apathy is our enemy.

 Some attendees were veterans; some were surviving family members; some were active duty; some wore their uniforms, and/or medals. The vets were proud of their service, and rightly so. Some, like myself, never served, but understand where we would not be as a nation without those who serve(d). We continue to enjoy the rights, freedoms, and privileges guaranteed by these men and women who preserve our Constitution, our freedom, our values, and our standard of living.

It is moving to speak the Pledge of Allegiance while veterans stand at attention, saluting the flag. It is moving to hear a local minister say a prayer for the fallen and the surviving. It is moving to observe the 21-gun salute. It is moving to hear the mournful, yet celebratory, sound of Taps, while letting one’s eyes sweep over the gravestones of deceased veterans, each with an American flag alongside. It is moving to see the iron bond of brotherhood amongst the vets attending.

I was provided a continuing lesson in humility and gratitude to hear a retired veteran who served 36 years, having participated in three wars, speak of his love of country and flag. At the time I was thinking that those of us who have not served should be ashamed of ourselves for not being at this service. Apathy is our enemy.

The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of speech, press, and religion. I was dismayed by the absence of priests and ministers. Wrongly perhaps, I feel that every minister should support those who defend the constitutionally mandated tolerance for all strains of worship, and each minister’s freedom to practice their calling. But they are only human, as are you and I. Apathy is our enemy.

On the walk back up the slope to my vehicle, I contemplated the definition of sacrifice — ultimate sacrifice — as I looked at many veterans’ gravestones. One made a particularly strong impression. It was the marker of a husband and wife … both had served. I felt very small at that moment.

The reverence of the people attending; the American flag alongside hundreds of gravestones; the gray, dreary, rainy day; the counterpoint of a colorful sea of flowers; the mental smell of patriotism and sacrifice. All these things colluded, putting a lump in my throat, and reinforcing my appreciation for what I have… what I, and you, should never, never take for granted. Apathy is our enemy.

God bless our country, and God bless our troops.

STEVE BRIXEN

Sandpoint