What do Washington, Lincoln, and C S Lewis have to do with Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the country's armed forces. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals in defense of this great nation.
The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the aftermath of the American Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was established in May 1868 as a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. The intent was to commemorate and honor the countless lives lost during the war.
Over time, Memorial Day has evolved into a solemn occasion to pay tribute not only to those who died in the Civil War but also to all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in subsequent conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Somalia, and Afghanistan and Iraq.
In addition to paying tribute to fallen soldiers, Memorial Day has also become a time for families and friends to come together, often engaging in activities such as picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings.
This brings me to George Washington—not just as the first leader of our Armed forces and the first President of our Great Country, but as, in his youth, the compiler of 110 Rules of Civility. We would all do well to review these rules because civility is by far the quality that has been missing most from our public discourse—not just in politics, where bad behavior is the norm, but in sports, education, and virtually all aspects of Life.
What does this have to do with Memorial Day, you might ask. A few weeks back, I was lucky enough to have been on a beautiful beach in Florida (I guess I hadn’t known about the travel warning). As I sat on a pristine beach looking at the beautiful turquoise waters, another couple appeared, set up about ten yards to my right, and started blasting Toby Keith through a huge speaker. Ten minutes later, a group arrived, set up ten yards to my left, and started blasting Led Zeppelin. Now I have nothing against Toby Keith or Led Zeppelin, but on and on it went until the cacophony of country, rock, and hip hop combined with the constant dropping of F-bombs led my thoughts to “110 Rules of Civility (and thanks to Amor Towles and his great book Rules of Civility that even made me aware of Washingtons endeavor).
George Washington's 1st Rule of Civility is a guiding principle emphasizing the importance of respectful and courteous behavior in social interactions. The 1st Rule of Civility states, "Every action done in the company ought to have some sign of respect for those present." This rule highlights the significance of showing respect and consideration towards others in one's conduct when in the presence of others. It encourages individuals to be mindful of their actions and to treat others with dignity and courtesy. It encompasses various aspects of behavior, such as using polite language, not F-bombs, and it reminds individuals to be aware of their surroundings and to adjust their behavior accordingly, considering the presence of others and their feelings. Adhering to this rule encourages individuals to create a harmonious and respectful social atmosphere.
Now, my mind is wandering to another strong influence, C.S. Lewis. The phrase "not to think less of yourself, but to think of yourself less" is often attributed to C.S. Lewis, the renowned British writer and theologian. It carries a valuable message about humility and selflessness.
To "not think less of yourself" means recognizing and valuing your worth, talents, and abilities. It acknowledges your inherent value and encourages healthy self-esteem and self-respect. It is important to have confidence in your abilities and to appreciate your unique qualities.
On the other hand, "to think of yourself less" implies shifting the focus away from constant self-centered thoughts and concerns. It encourages individuals to embrace a mindset of selflessness and consideration for others. Instead of being consumed by self-interest, this perspective urges individuals to prioritize the well-being and needs of others. In other words, “Every action done in the company ought to have some sign of respect for those who are present.”
Both concepts encourage individuals to cultivate a sense of empathy, compassion, and generosity. It emphasizes the importance of looking beyond one's own wants and needs and recognizing the experiences and struggles of others. By thinking of yourself less, you become more attentive to the well-being and happiness of those around you.
In practical terms, it means being mindful of your actions impact on others and seeking opportunities to make a positive difference in their lives. It involves acts of kindness, self-sacrifice, and service toward others, whether through small gestures of support, volunteering, or contributing to the greater good.
Adopting these principles can help us develop a more balanced and fulfilling approach to life. They foster deeper connections with others, promote a sense of community, and enable personal growth through empathy and understanding. They remind us that true fulfillment and happiness often come from enriching the lives of others and contributing to a greater purpose beyond oneself.
So now my mind wanders back…to Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address (I’m wandering all over the map by this time) … wherein he states, "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion."
Memorial Day reminds us of the immense courage, selflessness, and dedication of the men and women in uniform. It is a time to express gratitude for their sacrifice and ensure that their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of future generations. By honoring and remembering those who have fallen, Memorial Day reinforces the value and importance of freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of peace.
The First Rule of Civility resonates today as a timeless principle reminding individuals of the importance of treating others with respect and dignity in all social interactions. It serves as a reminder that our actions and behaviors impact those around us and that practicing civility can contribute to fostering positive relationships and a more harmonious society.
This Memorial Day weekend, you may not be thinking about Abraham Lincoln, CS Lewis, or George Washington, but the purpose of the day is to honor those who gave “the last full measure.” We can all do so by being safe, courteous, friendly, and accommodating so that all can enjoy the barbeques and beach outings in this glorious melting pot we call home.
