An awkward America

  Like millions of others' yesterday I attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony and placing the wreaths. It is something I became aware of some years back and participate every year. It's a wonderful gesture and a growing tradition. This year here in Greensboro we have a new flagpole erected in the cemetery. I was told that was part of a project from a young man to earn his Eagle scout badge. In the spring I'm told that pole will be surrounded by a brick patio and some benches placed there to honor all the veterans. 

  The ceremony was very nice with the local fire departments being highlighted. We have no VFW or American Legion posts in Greensboro, and I couldn't help but notice the lack of a military presence. Last year we did have a few veterans representing but not this time. The high school band was there and played God Bless America and a young lady sang the National Anthem a Cappella. She did a fine job, clear and bright and just the way the tune was written. A prayer was said, the narrative provided by Wreaths Across America read and taps was played in conclusion.

  There wasn't a very large group in attendance. The majority of those there were friends and relatives of those performing in the ceremony. I expect it is that way in most circumstances. Nevertheless, it is a nice gesture and I hope a tradition that remains. I did feel moments when it was a bit awkward. It seems like many public gatherings are awkward these days. That isn't the case when entertainment is provided. The carnival, concerts in the park and events like that don't have that feeling at all. 

 This past summer we had a rodeo in town, when they played America the Beautiful and those "cowboys" rode their horses around the arena the flag flying high. The crowd was a bit silent, a bit awkward, hesitating to respond to that in a patriotic way. That happened at the time Jason Aldean had released his song, Try that in a small town. They played that song over the pa system, and it had a feeling of defiance. It was an uneasy moment. A "cultural" moment? I don't know it was certainly an expression of a sentiment. Hometown proud. American pride? 

  We are living in a time when all of that is a bit awkward. We have the woke crowd that insists we should adopt every culture, every tradition, from everyone around the world, and incorporate that into our own. Calling it inclusiveness, it is the watering down of America. You are not to be proud of America, but rather apologetic for our success. Today the only pride you should display is that you do not have any "judgment" concerning others' choices. There is no right and wrong, everything is conditional, even morality. It just depends. 

 Today we have to be careful with whom we affiliate ourselves. You need to be aware of your social media posts and followings. You need to be careful who is following you! Our government is compiling a list and you had best be aware of that. Oh, that list isn't going to affect me much, I'm just a seventy-year-old man without a great deal of wealth or influence. But, if you are a young person, attempting to build a career, to advance in society you had better be paying attention! What did you say in the boys locker room in seventh grade! Did you deny that there are more than two genders. Did you say, America first. 

  Yes, it is a different America than the one I grew up in. It's an awkward America in my estimation. There is not a clearly define expectation from society anymore. I was well aware of what was expected of me as a kid growing up. I was often reminded and reprimanded for not meeting those expectations. There was no, let's talk with a counselor and discuss your feelings. Either you passed or you failed. There was no in-between. Roles were clearly defined. You may not have liked the role, but you didn't have a choice. The adults in the world weren't about to join you in some fantasy world. No, that wasn't happening. I was taught to respect the flag, my elders and authority. I was taught that America was the best country in the world. I still believe that, I still believe in respecting the flag, my elders and authority. I do so, even when it is a bit awkward. Hopefully one day all of that will become the norm once again. Let's all pray for that.