Remembering human values
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Editor,
A wave of nostalgia swept over the nation as citizens observed the pomp and ceremony during funeral activities honoring our 41st President, George H. W. Bush. The motorcades, the honor guard, the arrival of Air Force One (4141), the music, the distinguished guests, the cabal of past presidents, the National Cathedral, the graciousness of the Bush family and the final train ride all leant gravitas to this final farewell. In the eulogies, we heard these words over and over: kind, gentle, courageous, gracious, generous, honest, decent, humble and peacemaker. These are human values that are deeply embedded in civilized societies.
Are these values lost to a bygone era? I hope not. With ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Super One in the late afternoon, that hope was rekindled. People were getting off work, tired and focused on getting home. Guys in Carharts and wool caps, teachers, a banker, a pastor, students, retirees, caretakers, grandparents and mothers with children all bustled through the door, bringing the chill with them. All of them were warm and kind to me. Most of them were generous, stopping to donate and wish-me-well. Mothers were teaching their children the art of giving. In their generosity, all of these people were showing kindness and concern for the least among us.
Thankfully, the values of the 41st Presidency are not lost. They are deeply ingrained in ordinary people leading decent lives. These values are the backbone of American greatness; they have always been part of us. Wealth and power do not define us; our values do. Facing our own unique challenges day to day with courage, it’s “we the people” who make this country great. We always have.
Nancy Teggeman
Polson
