Yesteryear, Today, Tomorrow: The Bad, Good, Our Place in History (?)

Tap into History, Counter-Intuitive: Once again, I attempt to gain your attention and provoke reflection, with a reversal of expectations, and with a turn of the phrase most of us are familiar with, which became even more mainstream in our culture following the release of the 1966 Clint Eastwood film, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". A phrase I found myself pondering after doing a quick survey of world news the dawn of the day before this post, as well as the morning of the day we will inevitably hear "Taps" played, at least in this part of the world. And, eerily similar to what the bagpiper shared with us in preparation for our mother's memorial service a few years ago (the same piper who helped us play tribute to our father several years prior): "I'll play Amazing Grace first as it tends to make everyone somber, and we'll finish with Scotland the Brave, which will send everyone out marching, which would make your mother happy". No doubt. So, here I am, not with bagpipes but pen in hand, attempting to stir within you a range of sentiments, more importantly, convictions. First, the Bad...

Atrocities, Yesteryear, Today: "Top ten deadliest episodes in human history"...""Top ten horrible ends of Roman Emperors"..."The first genocide of the 21st century"..."Indiscriminate bombing..."...citizens are being targeted, finding themselves in the crossfire..."..."...both sides claiming credit for the cease fire, which appears quite tenuous"..."witnessing a rise in hate crimes"...(the last four from 5-30-21)

(Extra)ordinary Heroes, the Good: They have also always been among us, while not always making as much noise, looking for fanfare as those committing atrocities. Way too many to even begin a credible review in this confined space. Thank goodness for that, for the fact that all of us can reflect on what we were taught in school regarding those silent heroes from more ancient times, as well as what we have experienced more recently. We have vivid images, for example, of the thousands lost due to the atrocities of a few on 9/11 ("We must never forget", a phrase heard in yesteryear but became strongly aligned with 9-11-2001), as well as compelling pictures of those who did not hesitate to run into burning buildings, some trained as "First Responders", others just 'ordinary' folks like...Even more contemporary, of course, we have the hard-to-imagine count along with images of those lost to COVID-19 (3,541,881 worldwide according to CDC/WHO this am, but more to be added to this even prior to putting this to "Print"), as well as the heroic acts of the host of heroes who continue to this moment, to provide life saving measures while putting themselves into harms way, as well as countless people behind the scenes providing support to those providing such measures, as well as everyday, 'ordinary' folks like...

Among the Counted: Where will you and I be...? When/if called upon, counted on to come in between those acting in atrocious ways toward another, or seeing another in need....? In "The Heart and the Fist" the 2011 autobiography by ex-Navy SEAL Eric Greitens, he shares his first hand witness and experiences while doing humanitarian work abroad on behalf of those victims of modern atrocities, as well as a SEAL, responding with lethal means to other atrocities, a "...critical balance of strength and compassion..." A book in which he in part he attempts to dispel the myth that SEALs (and by implication other 'superheroes' throughout history) are superhumans...as one reviewer cites on behalf of Greiner, "...that it is the soldier's humanity that makes him or her effective...". 

Heavy Hearted, Lifting: In quiet somber we lower our flags to half-staff  and join in empathy with many ex-presidents who testify that, it's not the contentiousness of press conferences or dealings with other world leaders that keeps them awake at night, but the immense weight of their role as commander-in-chief, in potentially placing young men and women into harms way. 

Serving Others: As recently as this morning, I came across (well, it actually came to me thanks to Google) an ad appealing to those who may be inclined to serve, specifically, in the Air National Guard: "Serve Your Way". Well, I thought, sometimes you actually can determine how, who, and when you will serve, whereas others it's more unexpected, unplanned, and even 'unwelcome'...as in the many accounts of heroes who are usually reticent to accept the praise and accolades of others, who did not wake up on any given day planning on or expecting to be heroic. Many testify that they actually doubted themselves until called upon, that they simply "...did the same my teammates would have..." Perhaps, but I still count myself among those who can only hope and pray I have it in me if/when...

No Greater Love, the Ultimate Sacrifice: Regardless of one's religious affiliation or spiritual persuasion, in addition to having one's heart stirred by "Taps" on this day which has been set aside, we reaffirm our conviction that "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends"

...as well as those unknown to her/him. May we always remain aware, thankful, and ready.