A Higher Level of Respect

I am sure I am not the only one who has noticed a little less respect being shown lately. It seems like the more "modern" we get, the less respect and kindness we show for one another. It's been creaping in a little bit here and a little bit there.

Well, that wasn't the case today.

We picked up the kids from school today and took them directly to the Air Force base to go to the beach there. It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon at the beach and we weren't the only ones there either. There were lots of people enjoying the day. Yet, when 5:00 pm rolled around and the Retreat of the Colors began (the closing ceremony when they remove the American flag for the night) and they started to play the Star Spangled Banner, everyone stopped.

Everyone. From the guys playing volleyball to the moms with small children. Even the sunbathers and the retired couples. Everyone rose to their feet, removed their hats and faced the direction of the flag--even if they couldn't see it.

I know some of those people have been trained to do that. But not all of them.

Wouldn't the whole world be a better place if we all paid that higher level of respect? Not only to our flag and our troops but to each other as well. Even if we began in very small ways like letting someone go in front of you on a busy street. Yes, I believe a little respect goes a long way and we'd all be better off. Don't you agree?