Monday, February 1, 2010

Those Who Serve

Most of us are grateful for those, past and present, who serve in our armed forces and public safety organizations. They are honored in many ways, as is only proper.

We seldom honor the millions of our fellow citizens who serve quietly, usually without pay, in ways we seldom think of.

A good friend serves on the cemetery committee, library board, grazing commission, Democrat Party County Treasurer, local American Legion Post. etc. His wife has served for many years in agriculture orientated associations.

My sister helped found, and still serves on the board, of a low income health organization, and has served on other not for profit boards.

Look around and you will see thousands of people giving their time, with no monetary compensation, to better their communities. How about home owners associations? Can you think of a more thankless position? Church boards?Parade organizers? Sports teams?

To me, the real strength of our country is the willing service of our regular citizens who give their time to serve their fellow citizens instead of expecting the “government” to do it. They keep up our quality of life. Where this commitment is missing, you find rampant crime and third world living conditions.

When was the last time you (or I) thanked someone for their service?

3 comments:

Pens Of The abyss said...

Good post. I think if more people would give thanks , more people would be more inclined to help out and do nice things. Most people get tired of not being appreciated.

FDIL said...

In today's entitlement minded society, people have gotten comfortable with the "what's in it for me?" mindset. What they fail to realize is that if they would just take some initiative, get off their butts and volunteer some time somewhere with no expecation except to make someone elses day a little brighter, they would find there's a lot "in it for them". Just the feeling you get knowing you helped someone who needed it, give you a natural "high" and you can look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and know you did something meaningful.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

FDIL
Marring my son doesn't count but I'm glad you did!