29 May 2017 (Palestine) – American writer Ben Ehrenreich has traveled to and lived in the West Bank, staying with Palestinian families in its largest cities and its smallest villages. Along the way he has written major stories for American outlets, including a remarkable New York Times Magazine cover story. He has often been asked about Memorial Day, the time of year that the U.S. remembers those who died while serving in the military. He has often been asked if, in today’s political climate, such honor has changed. I cannot think of a better response than the one provided to me over the weekend by long-time friend and fellow military veteran buddy Angela Van Veckhoven. Here it is:
This weekend I’m thinking of friends I’ve lost in and out of the military, my time served, and wondering how I feel about “dying in service for this country” these days. I worry about the disintegrating bonds among Americans and the weakening support of democratic norms that seems to percolate under our civil discourse. At various times, I’ve been depressed, angry or scared of what is happening here. The one thing I haven’t been is hopeful, and few politicians have been particularly reassuring — certainly not our current leader.
Then I came across a small local event notice for the Memorial Day weekend … a post about a wreath laying ceremony at George Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon, very close to where I live. A photo was attached showing the modest tomb, and included an excerpt from his eulogy:
“First in war- first in peace- and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life; pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere; uniform, dignified and commanding”
Ron Chernow’s book on Washington, profiled a less pious and more human first President:
The contrast to our current reality is jarring, but it is also reassuring. That modest tomb, why it still exists, and a multitude of other examples in how we venerate those who founded/fought/died for us all, and gives me a little hope. We all still value some of the same sacrifices from our past, made for our future. As long as we continue to venerate and tie that past to how we identify ourselves as Americans, perhaps we can hold onto a government of laws shaped from that identity and not be remade into a government under one man.
So, for now, at least this weekend, I’ll relax and feel a little reassured. I think a short trip to Mount Vernon is due soon, to pay my respects at the tomb of a man who had no desire to be a king.