The only person standing... is the man in a wheelchair

The purpose of this site is to discuss Originalism and the Founding Principles, and this post has nothing to do with either, but I did feel it necessary to share this with you.



Remember seeing this a few years back
(Photo: Raymond Malkiewicz/Everafterimages.com)

 I remember seeing this photo some years back, perhaps you did too and I think it is quiet telling on respect of the Flag or National Ensign. Of all the people who had reason to not stand as the Flag passed, it is most assuredly the man in the wheelchair, yet he is the only one whom is. Now nobody is bound to stand, and nor should anybody ever be bound to rise for the flag [less those who are under oath to protect it like Military, Police, Politicians etc..], but it is nonetheless a show of respect for what it stands for, which is more than ever can be put into simple words.

 

Today I had my, "The only person standing... is the man in a wheelchair". Today I went to a parade of Firetrucks, and it was magnificent. There were firetrucks from across the State, as well as neighboring states. It had Color Guards, Honor Details, Fife and Drum Bands and Corps, and more firetrucks of the past and present than I have ever seen in my life before. In all it was a 2 hour plus procession of fine brave men and women who voluntarily run into burning and damaged buildings for our sake, honoring their past, and of course showcasing their toys, and included a family member in the parade, since I have two firefighters in my family.

The only one to bother to stand, is the one who needs a scooter

But it was one man who caught my attention. This parade consisted of many many Ladder Companies, I could only guess, but it was easily over two dozen. The Flag of course led the parade as is customary, but also was carried by many of these Ladder Companies, Color Guards, and Fife Bands. Each and every time the flag passed this man stood, uncovered his head, and placed his right hand and hat over his heart. One other person to my left was also doing this for the most part, but not always. But this older gentleman on the right side of this photo did for every passing of the Flag. This gentleman, I saw arrive on a scooter, and even when he traveled a small distance used this scooter, yet he was the only one other then the man to my left, and most of the firefighters, who ever stood as the flag passed, even once.

Every time the flag approached, he stood, it was not arduous as I could tell for him to stand as far as I can tell, yet it was not as simple as it is for most of us. When the Flag passed he removed his hat and covered his heart, while most just covered their eyes from the sun, as it was a beautiful day. You can see around him, other not appear to move a muscle, or even give it a second thought. If anybody here had a reason to not stand at the parade, it was this gentleman. At times I wanted to just to shout to everyone who could hear me, "Do you not see this? If this man can stand every time, why can't you just stand once?", but not wanting to embarrass my family prevented me, perhaps that was the right call, perhaps not.

I intended on greeting this gentleman after the parade shake his hand and thank him, but he left on his scooter, a few minutes before the parade ended. But I will not forget him. He showed me that the Flag still means something to people. He also reminded me to not be afraid to show this respect, since before I noticed him rising every time, I felt out of place doing just that myself, since it appeared no one I could see [several hundred people] were not doing the same.

 

As I stated before, it is not required, nor should it ever be required to rise for the Flag, but if this man can rise every time for the Flag, why can't the rest of us do it at least once?