Sunday, May 30, 2010 | 2 a.m.
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Memorial Day is about honor.
Originally set aside after the Civil War to pay respect for fallen soldiers, the day has become a most solemn time when we honor the brave servicemen and women who have given their lives protecting the United States of America.
Many of us have grown up proudly flying our flag, having barbecues with family and friends and generally paying tribute to those who gave their all so we could remain free. Also, so we could remain American.
I believe this is a most appropriate time to talk about what it means to be an American because somewhere along the way, the values of those who died fighting to preserve our way of life and the values — or lack of them — that currently define us as a nation have gotten mixed up.
Gone are the times when neighbors used to congratulate one another on the job they just got, the raise they just earned or the new car they were able to buy. Instead, jealousy overcomes us, a suspicion that causes us to question how our neighbor could afford a new car or that trip to Europe when we are unable to do so, and a belief that whatever caused our neighbor’s success came at our own expense.
Where did that come from?
Do you remember when a man’s word was his bond? That was true everywhere in the United States, but nowhere more than in Las Vegas. Even if it was not written or recorded, an agreement between two men was just that: an agreement. There was never any thought given to going back on one’s word, no matter how much it cost. That lesson seems to have been misplaced among current dealmakers.
It matters not that they are bankers, car dealers, salespeople or even real estate developers, the wiggle room comes somewhere between the handshake and the signature on the bottom line. And I say that is just plain wrong. Especially on Memorial Day.
Can anyone really believe that our military members put their lives at risk in faraway lands just so we at home can double-deal, so we can fail to keep our word when we give it, or purposely try to gain advantage over friends and neighbors who made the mistake of trusting us? And forget about the concept of Americans pulling together. All we hear lately is how people are working overtime to pull us apart.
I don’t think I pay our fallen countrymen less tribute by questioning our moral position as Americans on a day like today. On the contrary, I believe they gave their lives just so we can ask these questions, which determine the kind of values by which we raise our families, conduct our business and exercise our solemn duties as citizens.
Many soldiers have died because they took their jobs seriously. Not only did they swear to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution, but they also promised to cover their fellow soldiers’ backs. When was the last time you heard a neighbor talk about that kind of relationship with a fellow neighbor?
It is more about “How can I take advantage of my neighbor?” than it is “How can I help him succeed?” When did all that change and why? When did it become fashionable to live in a sea of distrust instead of enjoying the friendship of those with whom we share common goals — better schools, more secure futures and job security.
It didn’t happen when the economic meltdown occurred. No, the seeds of distrust were sown years ago. Say what you want about politicians, the most that should be said — other than about a few rotten apples — is that they are too liberal or too conservative. Instead, there is a loud and mostly obnoxious chorus of Americans screaming about liars, thieves and miscreants, as if those who yell loudest don’t share in the blame.
The truth is that nothing has really changed in the behavior of those elected to office. They are, after all, still human beings. What has changed, though, is the attitude of many Americans who demand that politicians lie to them — lest they not get elected — and then blame those who go back on their promises in the name of good governance.
Where is the honor in that? How is it that we can pay tribute to those who have sacrificed the utmost so we can act as free men and women and, then, act even worse toward one another? This happens in families, in neighborhoods, in communities and in states across the country.
If we were in the armed services, the way we act toward each other would be deemed “conduct unbecoming.” As it is, it is just plain wrong. And shortsighted.
So think about Memorial Day on Monday and what the sacrifice of so many has meant to the freedoms we enjoy. And then, perhaps, most of us will endeavor to act a little more honorably toward one another. A little more American, if you will.
That is where honor lies.
Brian Greenspun is editor of the Las Vegas Sun.
