Sempre Fi

The chorus did a show last night at a local retirement community. I really like doing these shows because the residents are so appreciative of the music and entertainment that we bring. After the long day that I had, it was so refreshing to see the looks on their faces and the smiles when we sang songs that they remembered from their youth.

We almost always close our show with a patriotic medley. The one we used last night was our Armed Forces Medley. We sing the songs of each of the Armed Forces, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. At the beginning of each song the flag of each service branch is carried out, and the Vets from that branch are asked to stand up and be recognized. Although I was never in the service, since I have long years of experience in marching, I was asked to carry the Marine flag. Each time I do this, I try my very best to honor those who served, and live up to the honor of carrying their banner.

We close the song with America the Beautiful, which is one of my favorite all time pieces of music. Since I am carrying that flag, I am not supposed to sing, so as I stand through the song, my eyes will scan the crowd. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes when we bring out the American flag, and all of the people in the room stand. Some of them struggle to do so, and many have to be helped up, but everyone stands. I am glad that I don’t have to sing because I am sure that my voice would crack with the emotion that I feel.

But it always makes me think of the people who won’t stand; of those who think they have a political point to make, and need everyone around them to know that their agenda is bigger than what this flag means. Sometimes it makes me angry, but most times it makes me sad. It seems to me, that these old people would be hurt by the lack of respect. It seems to me, that the people with the political agenda are saying that they are smarter than these doddering old fools who would stand when the flag was presented. I think that they should have to look into the eyes of the ex Marine and tell him that his friends, or his brother, or his father, that did not come home from World War Two, or Korea, or wherever, died for a corrupt, repressive, racist nation.

Where is their courage, to face those who sacrificed so much, so that they can be heard? And if they have the courage, where is their heart, that they could belittle someone who paid that price?
I am in no way saying that there should not be debate regarding the running of this country, and the things we involve ourselves in. But there is a need for a return to politeness, gentility, and common sense.