Display of respect

There were common threads that tied together the various Memorial Day observances in Maine.

On the faces of those who had seen war and experienced individual and national sacrifice, the feelings were visibly deep.

For others, especially the young who have grown up in a country that has been free of conflict for more than 15 years, attitudes were different. There were expressions of sympathy and evidence of pride, but also disturbing signs of ignorance. People slouched on the ground or talked during the anthem, and were oblivious to the passing of the flag.

One need not have lost a friend or relative in war to want to honor the dead. One need not have worn a uniform to feel a personal responsibility to properly show respect for the flag and the national anthem.

Before schools let out next month, before the parades and observances that will mark Independence Day in July, educators and families should take the time to teach students and children about two simple acts of citizenship and courtesy:

When the flag of the United States passes by, stand and face it.

When the anthem plays, stand. If the flag is visible, salute it. Face the music if there is no flag.

Books describe far more complicated protocol for people in uniform, for those marching in parades or providing crowd and traffic control, for those separated from the flag by masses of people, and there are fine distinctions of how frequently citizens should stand when numerous flags pass by.

But for those who have been taught nothing about acceptable conduct during the playing of the national anthem and the passing of the American flag, the best place to begin would be with the basics, the use of common-sense etiquette and with the fundamentals of good citizenship.

The last month of school usually is a lean time educationally. It provides a perfect opportunity for teachers to offer a history and civics lesson on the flag and the national anthem. They could find help in this from a local American Legion or VFW post, a legislator, a nearby military base or National Guard unit, or a Boy Scout troop.

With all these resources available, there should be no excuse for ignorance. It is easy to make a simple display of respect.