The end result is that we equate the lives and
leadership of two of the greatest men in our history with those of a diverse
parade of men ranging from extraordinary to mediocre, and noble to
dishonorable. What’s more, we reduce this and other days set aside to honor
crucial people and historical events to no more than a day off. I doubt whether
you’ll be reading many articles or seeing TV specials reminding you of the
magnificent character and contributions of Washington or Lincoln.
I fear that the failure of our government, our
schools and our media to emphatically remind us about our roots in a way that
nurtures both pride and gratitude fosters an unhealthy, self-absorbed
entitlement mentality. Sure, we’ll gladly take the day off for Presidents’ Day,
Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and shoot off fireworks on July 4th. But we’re
too busy or blase to pause to reconnect with our heritage and experience real
appreciation for our heroes and their sacrifices.
Despite the initial surge of patriotism following
September 11, I fear Americans are an increasingly ungrateful people, unwilling
to appreciate what we have and why we have it.
And we wonder why our kids don’t appreciate what
they have and what we do for them.
If we keep treating our most important values as
meaningless relics, that’s exactly what they’ll become.
About the author: Michael Josephson is one of the nation’s
most sought-after and quoted ethicists. Founder and president of Josephson
Institute and its CHARACTER COUNTS! project, he has conducted programs for more
than 100,000 leaders in government, business, education, sports, law
enforcement, journalism, law, and the military. Mr. Josephson is also an
award-winning radio commentator.
This article was published by the Josephson
Institute.
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