Small Things Count

Today, pause to remember the men and women who died fighting America’s battles. Their goal was to stop tyrants and regimes that treat people like insignificant, disposable, unworthy non-humans. This was their contribution to upholding the dignity of man and working toward peace. A fitting memorial to them is to carry on their mission. Not fighting in a far-away land but living our daily lives as though those around us, those of different skin colors, religions, socio-economic status–everyone–were human beings. Such a peaceful, tolerant attitude must start with us individually, in our homes, schools, and workplaces and spread to our cities, states, nation, and, ultimately, the world. Maybe such a global attitude will prevent tyrants and hate-groups from getting a foothold. Yes, this is idealistic, but so were all those who died in uniform. Carrying on their idealism is an appropriate way to honor them. Even if we succeed in making a more peaceful, tolerant world just in our own lives, that is a tribute to the principle they fought for.