There is an important day coming up that we should all reflect upon. It plays a significant role in our history and reminds us of where we came from and how we got here.
I’m talking about Veterans Day. As the last members of the Greatest Generation leave us, we should remember the sacrifices they made to preserve our nation and the freedoms the Constitution guarantees. Those of us who were lucky to be raised by these people understand their heroism and role in preserving our nation. As time, and interest in history, wane, we observe how little knowledge of their sacrifice is being passed on to recent generations.
Schools place less emphasis on history and civics in favor of more STEM education. There is no “H” or “C” in that acronym, and more time for STEM has to come from somewhere, so … .
Today, displays of the ignorance of history are left to clips on late-night TV and social media memes, where interviews of recent college grads tell us that Ben Franklin was the first president, Mexico is a U.S. state and the Constitution was written by some guy named Bob.
The culmination of this ignorance is being played out in our recent presidential elections, as lies and misinformation are easily passed out as facts, and many don’t have the interest or skills to seek the truth.
Apologies to the veterans who sacrificed so much and lived long enough to see this spectacle. Thank you, but you deserve better.
Tim Kaczmarek
Natrona Heights