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necessarily want it and certainly don’t
seek it. Nevertheless I think it is a good
thing because it represents our feeling
of gratitude toward all who serve.
A few times, without thinking, I
have worn an Air Force or U. S. Veteran
ball cap while gimping along with my
cane. Se eing this, a passer-by is most
likely to think that I am a combatwounded veteran. Well, thank you for
tolerating my disability as I need to
sit in order to speak to you today, but
be assured that I was not wounded in
combat.
Of course, when someone is
motivated by my cane to come up and
thank me for my service, I never really
want to take the time to say, “Well, yes
I am a veteran, but the use of this cane
is necessary due to a congenital blood
condition . . . blah, blah.” So I let them
feel a spirit of gratitude and I allow
myself in that moment to represent
all who serve. A uniform, a prosthetic
limb, a cane, even just a hat may be a signal to you to express gratitude. Or
even just a look.
Yes, again, talking about veterans on Memorial Day is appropriate,
because I am talking about the true spirit behind the idea and action of service
to the neighbor. Giving of ourselves for the sake of others is a sacrifice of the
proprium or the negative ego, the sense of our own self-importance.
Think about whether you have ever given help to a person in need, even
if it was inconvenient to you. Have you ever acted toward another person in
a truly selfless manner because your own sense of comfort and even safety
needed to be squelched or put aside for the sake of his or her needs? If so, then
you have served the neighbor with some measure of self-sacrifice.
Have you ever really pushed yourself to the limit, not like a martyr, but
really suppressed your own needs from love as a friend, a spouse, as a parent,
son or daughter, as a teacher or mentor, as a complete stranger when you see a
deep need? Then you have actually given something of your own life for your
friends and neighbors.
If you have stood vigil for another without getting enough sleep or eating
Yes, talking about
veterans on Memorial
Day is appropriate,
because I am talking
about the true spirit
behind the idea and
action of service to the
neighbor. Giving of
ourselves for the sake
of others is a sacrifice
of the proprium or
the negative ego, the
sense of our own
self-importance.
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