By Mitchell Shields, Guest Columnist
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I was raised on a small farm in south Alabama. I learned early that to be respectful meant using ma’am and sir when speaking to anyone older than me and to be grateful. I learned to respect animals by milking cows, caring for pigs, chickens and mules.
Farm animals had a direct impact on what we had to eat. Either through us enjoying their meat or their contribution through work, like pulling a plow.
I guess the chickens were the biggest challenge. They took more time and constant care. We just had 25,000 and gathered eggs two times a day. Yep, you could say we raised eggs, with a little help from hens.
The animals made sacrifices for us, and we respected them through how we treated them by providing everything they needed.
Early in life, I learned that my granddad was a World War I veteran and my dad was a World War II veteran, and there are many other veterans in my family. I am a retired Army officer who served in Vietnam, a tough time for our nation and veterans. I know I am not the only individual with such family heroes.
Along with hundreds of thousands of other veterans, our heroes sacrificed much to provide what we have today. When most veterans are referred to as heroes, they will respond by saying, “I was just doing my job, nothing special about us.”
Their response demonstrates humility and love. Humility, not putting yourself above the needs of others; love, a willingness to sacrifice self for family, neighbor, country and world.
How do I/we show respect for the sacrifices of the hundreds of thousands of veterans of past, present and future? May I give you a suggestion as to how you can help veterans? Respect the flag of the United States of America; Old Glory!
There is a special bond between the veteran and Old Glory. She represents the totality of why the veteran is serving and sacrificing to maintain: “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
This nation is not perfect, but we are striving to be better. Show respect/support for all veterans past, present and future by rendering proper respect when Old Glory passes or is the focal point of any event.
To show respect and give honor to Old Glory, all men should remove headgear and place their right hand over their heart. Veterans may/should render the military salute. Women should place their right hand over their heart. If seated, all individuals should stand and render respect.
The display of respect for the flag of the United States is honoring all veterans and their sacrifice. But honoring veterans is only a part of the display.
Rendering respect and honoring Old Glory is a visible teaching moment to remind the generations to come of the cost of maintaining “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Something to consider. Respect, honor, remembrance – if not you, then who will?
The writer is a resident of Peachtree and member of American Legion Post 532 in Hayesville.