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We should be different for many reasons, in many ways
THIS CATHOLIC’S LIFE - Rev. Michael L. Griffin
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by Rev. Michael Griffin - 7/30/2010
A few weeks ago I needed to do some research about the proper care of, and displaying of the American flag. So I did what any self respecting person of this day and age would do, I googled it.
I was amazed, as the links were shown, just how many different customs and regulations concern the flag. So I sat and read the U.S. Flag Code and learned a great deal.
I was familiar with most of the Code, and realized that I had been taught a great deal of it when I was still a boy in grade school.
I was, however, surprised that, according to the Code passed by Congress and signed by the President, flags are not to be worn on any uniform except a U.S. military uniform, and that large, field size flags were not to be used as a prop during sporting events.
Now, I realize that the Code here is violated by many things we take for granted lately, especially after 9-11, but I presume that we understand and accept the respect that is being offered. These things are not being done to challenge the Code, but to honor the flag. So while it might not be in keeping with the letter of the Code, the spirit is maintained.
However, I did notice that there was a recent change in the Flag Code. Clicking the link I read that this change had been voted on and signed regarding a person‘s posture during the National Anthem:
“Individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; “members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and “all other persons present should face the flag and start at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.”
The same provisions are made for the raising and lowering of the flag, and as the flag passes. Now this was a change, since previously everyone not in uniform was expected to render the same posture of respect, standing at attention and placing their right hand over their heart.
I was curious about the change and did some more research.
Evidently the change was suggested as a way to honor veterans and those in the military even if they are not in uniform, at sporting events, parades, etc, they would be able to render the hand salute and, therefore, be seen and acknowledged as a veteran or as someone currently serving.
I then read some comments back and forth on the issue and there was a surprising amount of give and take, and passion on both sides, but ultimately it comes down to this, a veteran, or someone currently serving, has the choice to salute or not as he or she sees fit. It is a question of how one chooses to show respect.
And, of course, it is a question of witness.
As said, the idea behind this change was to give witness, because the sight of veterans, young and old, matters; this small gesture gives them a chance to honor the flag under which they served, and gives those around them an opportunity to see them, to notice them.
The acts of witnessing have always mattered, not just for our country, but also for the Church and the mystery of Christian living. We are told by the Lord that this is how all will know that we are his disciples, by our love for one another (John 13:35). This is a witness that goes deeper than a cross pendent around the neck, a fish logo on our bumper; this is the identification given by Jesus himself.
The apologist Tertullian in the third centuries tell us the pagans would say this looking upon Christians, “’Vide,’ inquiunt, ‘ut invicem se diligent’” (“Look,” they say, “how they love one another”).
It is often said that we live in a “culture of death,” or that our society is becoming increasingly secular, or even neo-pagan. We decry these attributes and fear for the future, yet the response has been there from the foundation of the Church. We are, as Jesus says, witness of these things (Luke 24:48).
We should be different, not because of what we wear or how we look, but because we are living the extraordinary capacity to love with the heart of Jesus. This is both our baptismal birthright and our challenge.
In ways great and small, in things secular and ecclesial, we learn that the small expressions, the subtle acts of witness teach, they provoke, they invite and they disarm. A small salute can speak volumes, and loving one another can change the world.
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