On every Veterans Day I look around and wonder if anyone under the age of 70 understands the lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner. My age group knows to take off our hats, place hands over hearts, and stand at attention. You may say that it’s old-fashioned to show respect for your country, but I’ll ask the Zillenials, how has doing otherwise worked out for you?
In fact, us Senior Senior Citizens, yes I meant to type that twice, are constantly being criticized for our un-woke view on things. We take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others. But, upon reflection, and borrowing a page from a post many years ago, I’d like to point out that it was NOT THE SENIOR SENIOR CITIZENS WHO TOOK…….
The Melody out of music,
The pride out of appearance,
The romance out of love,
The commitment out of marriage,
The responsibility out of parenthood,
The togetherness out of family,
AND IT WAS NOT THE SENIOR SENIOR CITIZENS WHO TOOK…….
The learning out of education,
The service out of patriotism
The religion out of school,
The Nativity scene out of cities,
AND IT WAS NOT THE SENIOR SENIOR CITIZENS WHO TOOK…….
The civility out of behavior,
The refinement out of language
The dedication out of employment,
The prudence out of spending,
And The work out of achievement.
I know I sound like a grumpy old man, and I am. I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy and that’s just my left leg. I’m wondering, if you’re only as old as you feel, how could I be alive right now at 150? According to my grandson, I’m very good at telling stories… over and over and over and over. I’m usually interested in going home before I get to where I am going. But, I was raised to love God, do hard work, and respect family. I don’t know which wise person first said, “A country is only as strong as its families”, but it sure sounds correct.
Out my window at the Old Folks Hotel, everything looks fine. But on my television it looks like the whole world is going to hell. I don’t remember it being like that until recently, but of course I don’t remember what I had for lunch.
Maybe instead of calling Green committees together to talk about climate change, perhaps call together a group of Senior Senior Citizens to learn from their experience. Just make sure you serve dinner around 4:30pm and have us home by 8.