[Iscool]

Idolatry and veneration are different. We venerate saints but do not adore/worship them. We adore only God.

venerate: great respect; reverence; "the traditional veneration of saints"

Getting on your knees to pray to a statue and asking that statue or whatever that statue is supposed to represent to answer and fulfill your prayers to that statue is not veneration or reverence...

When you have a 21 gun salute at the funeral of a fallen soldier, THAT is veneration and reverence...

[cloudmountain]

Getting on your knees to pray to a statue and asking that statue or whatever that statue is supposed to represent to answer and fulfill your prayers to that statue is not veneration or reverence...
Isn't that up to GOD to decide the motives of the person praying? Or do YOU decide on who is and who is not in the "correct" position to pray.
I always thought that God hears my prayers no matter where I am or whether I'm on bended knee or walking along the beach...or even if I am kneeling before a statue.
It's God's call, not yours. No disrespect to your opinion, of course.

When you have a 21 gun salute at the funeral of a fallen soldier, THAT is veneration and reverence...
Yes, it is.
I also think that PRAYING for a fallen soldier is just as efficacious.
One MIGHT even give to soldiers' memorial funds and/or help that widow and her family. There are many things to do to help the family of the fallen soldier.
I'm sure the widow appreciates the 21-gun salute, but she may also appreciate a personal visit, a letter, a phone call or some such tangible event.