Patriots

 

This is a solemn weekend for families who will visit the graves of their fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, who died in service to our country. The dead will be honored with ceremonies, speeches, volleys of gunfire, and the laying of wreaths. But the only possible way to honor their sacrifices is through the deepest soul-searching on the part of the living. Especially this year, the only possible way to affirm the meaning of their deaths is to rededicate ourselves to the highest values of our land.

The poet and political philosopher Peter Viereck once said that America is a “polity based on conversation.” It requires a “vigorous moderation.” True patriots are those who join vigorously in this public conversation, listening as deeply as they can to others and sharing the best of their reflections. True patriots would never say “my country, right or wrong”. If my country is going in a fundamentally wrong direction, it cannot endure and will not succeed. True patriots will call out a warning. They will urge the country to align itself more closely with fundamental principles that govern the world. 

Who were the true patriots in fascist Germany? Those who spoke against its government’s rapid descent into hell. Where were the true patriots in Stalinist Russia — in the Gulag or in the Kremlin? True patriots in the United States were those who protested and resisted slavery and segregation, those who spoke against the government-sanctioned destruction of Native American culture. True patriots are those who courageously probe corruption and the abuse of power in high places and low - in prisons, corporations, ecclesiastical hierarchies and government – not because they hate America, but because they love this country so much they want us to live up to our true calling and full potential.

True patriots also would never say, “My way is the only way” -- or worse, “My way is God’s way.” These are “haughty” words. Particularly in a country as diverse as ours, true patriots listen to others and share with them with great humility.

Pastor John Robinson, in his farewell sermon to the Separatists who sailed for New England aboard the Mayflower, told them to be open to others because “God had more truth to break forth from God’s Holy Word.” Nations are works in progress. True patriots both speak up and listen carefully for new truth which often comes in unexpected ways.

Traditionally, we have set high moral and ethical standards for ourselves and our country. We didn’t come here from every nation merely to become rich or comfortable. At our best, we are dedicated to the elevation of the human spirit and the improvement of the human condition.

Obviously, we haven’t always lived up to our creed. We certainly are not living up to it today. Our history is stained by the violence and harm we have perpetuated against Native Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans on this continent. Today the whole world sees the gross manifestations of our “dark side” — whether it’s how we are dealing with immigrants or with each other, especially including ethnic and gender minorities.

Scandalous reports about our government are factual but, for many of us, they are hard to believe. We believe – we hope! – they don’t reflect the heart and soul of our republic. But honestly, we are as appalled.

On this Memorial Day weekend, we pay tribute to countless people of all faiths, colors, genders, and abilities who have given so much that we might enjoy the life we share. We recognize their sacrifices and those of their families. Yet we know that words alone are lifeless and thin. Only our deepest commitments can truly honor their sacrifice. Today we renew our dedication to the fundamental values that call forth the best within us.

We love and honor God. We love and serve our country. Today we join as partners with the living, the dead, and those yet to be born. We dedicate ourselves to creating a better nation than we were yesterday, better than we are today, and to making our country a blessing to humanity.