During the Olympics, there was a US javelin tosser who stopped in the middle of a sprint, dropped his javelin and turned to salute the flag during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner for a medal ceremony. This Olympian was a member of the US armed forces.
Social media was abound with criticism for this practice, belittling it as “blind devotion” and equating it to fascism. Then I read stories like this and see that Marine standing at attention, paying respects to a child, and I remember why we have the best military and the best country on this planet. It’s not about blind devotion, it’s about a passionate embrace of everything for which American stands.
Amen to that!
My iPad screen blurred too. Awesome story about your Aunt. Honor does lift the spirit!