Things Happen for a Reason

I am reading The Men Who United the States http://simonwinchester.com/books/the-men-who-united-the-states/ by Simon Winchester, who by the way is not a native born citizen of the United States.  I am nearing the end, and read the section on NPR http://www.npr.org/, which by his reporting was initially thought of as a radio system to unite the country. 

It started me thinking about what unites this country.  Before September 11, 2001, I was unaware of people approaching uniformed (military) strangers in public places saying "Thank you for your service to our country."  Although it was something I thought people should be proud of, I never thought to thank any one, including a police officer or fireman or EMT.  Now, it is appropriate and very acceptable to thank the military and first responders for their service.

The first time or two I said as much to a stranger, I felt I was reading very stiltedly from a cue card. Not that I did not mean it, but it felt strange.  Now, when I say thank you, I frequently have a catch in my throat.

Our nation has always celebrated historical and memorable events, anniversaries and holidays.  But as I get older, and I know I have said this before, I pay more attention to those celebrations for their meaning, not their fun.

Tonight I watched The Star Spangled Spectacular http://video.pbs.org/video/2365312956/  celebrating the 200th anniversary of The Star Spangled Banner.  I am wondering if an extravaganza like this would have occurred before 9/11, and more to the point, would I have cared if it did.  I think back to the late 1970's, early 1980's when I was lectured on proper national anthem and flag etiquette by someone who grew up in the south, and who's family still refers to the War between the North and the South as the War of Northern Aggression.  I knew proper flag etiquette, and national anthem etiquette, but had grown away from it, from caring.  From believing even.  That was a  lesson I will never forget. 

But being patriotic then was not popular. It was okay, but not for the ceremonial, the honor and respect, but for the celebration and hoopla.  I am thankful we have brought the honor and respect back into the celebrations.

The attack on this country brought us together in a way no president, no social policy, no educational program could.  After 13 years we still remember. 

I know, with time, the emotional and reverential attitude will dissipate. It took a long time, but it did, after Pearl Harbor. And it did after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  But we can preserve and kindle it for as long was we can.