Veterans’ Day and the Give Me Generation

All too often we hear cries that this generation of kids has no respect for anyone or anything. I am writing to say that last Wednesday that idea was proven absolutely wrong.

I have been at the Borger Middle School for 21 years. In that time I have seen many groups of kids come and go. I must admit that this generation does seem more self absorbed that any I have seen. We try to teach the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you want to be treated” but often that philosophy falls on deaf ears.

Last Wednesday BMS had the annual Veterans’ Day assembly. I have attended many such assemblies through the years and have some wonderful memories of displays of patriotism by teenage boys and girls. The expertise and skill of the BMS Social Studies department headed by Janet Fleming is always apparent in these assemblies.

But this Veterans’ Day assembly was different. For one thing the Veterans that attended were different. They were younger, many ex-students at BMS. It is shocking to think that young men we have taught are now on foreign soil defending our country. Many of the young veterans have seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan which brought home the reality that this country is at war. The other special thing about this group of veterans is that they all had a connection to a student at Borger Middle School. Uncles, Grandfathers, and Fathers were honored guests.

Now to the evidence that will dispel the myth that this Give Me Generation has no respect. During the assemblies, the Veterans were given a place of honor on the stage. As these men entered the stage, teenagers rose to their feet and began to clap. There was no prompting by the teachers; it was a spontaneous reaction of honor to these men by the students. In seconds all the students were on their feet. As the names and service records of the men were read, the student connected to that Veteran stood proudly to his or her feet. After all the names had been read, once again the students rose to their feet honoring the veterans on the stage.

The father of one of the students was asked to speak. As he talked to them about success in life, the students listened quietly. This soldier who has seen active duty in many war zones told the kids that the key to success was their “mental attitude.”

The assembly always ends with the playing of Taps. As the sound of that lone trumpet filled the auditorium with that haunting melody, there was a definite air of reverence. Not one student talked. Not one student moved. You see these kids understood the significance of that song.

For almost an hour, the students remained attentive and respectful during an assembly meant to honor the men and women who have fought for this country. As I watched their faces, I knew in my heart that the myth was false. On that Wednesday, I knew that these kids understood the importance of the basic values this country was founded on. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all; these words had taken root and were growing in the hearts and minds of these kids.

So next time you hear someone saying that this generation has no respect, you tell them that is just a myth. There is hope for this Give Me Generation because deep down in their souls, they understand that all they have been given has come at a great price of blood, sweat, and tears.