What Is Respect?

Respect in our context is the respect of patriotism, a word which didn't even appear until the late 18th century.

The root of the word patriotism was 6th century Latin, a derivation from the ancient Greek patriōtēs meaning "fellow countryman" which although male in English is applicable to both men and women.

In our context, respect is the chivalrous loyalty to fellow countrymen (again, although male in English, applicable to both men and women).

Chivalry had three main areas:

1) Duties to countrymen and fellow Christians
2) Duties to God
3) Duties to women

Our respect is contained as a sub-set of the first area, duties to countrymen (again encompassing both men and women).

Chivalry had seven knightly virtues.

How many of these virtues do those in service to the United States display and which of these do they deserve to receive from you as you respect them?

Courage - the fortitude to undertake task which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved

Charity - sharing one's goods, time, attention, wisdom and energy, the giving of yourself, (sometimes referred to a generosity)

Faith - trust, integrity, and being true to one's word

Hope - having a positive outlook and cheerful demeanor

Justice - holding oneself to the highest standard of behavior, with knowledge that cheating on the smallest of rules weakens the fabric of society for everyone

Mercy - creating a sense of peace in the community through words and attitudes, rather than engendering hostility and antagonism.

Nobility - the conviction of one's convictions, when no one is watching

Footnote: For those with objections due to religious or man / woman references please refer back to the concept of respect which has embedded therein the concept of tolerance, which is the opposite of intolerance and respect. Respect embodies tolerance.

What Is Love?

The ancient Greek language had different specific words to convey different forms of love.

Agape (ἀγάπη agápē) or agapo in the ancient Greek was the love of God for people.

Eros (ἔρως érōs) came from the Greek deity Eros and was the love of passion between lovers.

Philia (φιλία philía) was the dispassionate virtuous love of friends, family, community.

Storge (στοργή storgē) was an inherent natural affection, in the context of a parent for a child.

Xenia (ξενία xenía) was the hospitality between a host and a guest.

The conceptual reference of love to those who serve is the Greek language's virtuous love of friends and community.

Wikipedia Reference

What Is Honor?

The concept of honor is so simple it is taught to small children, or at least it still was when I was a child.

No lying.

No cheating.

No stealing.

Intolerance for liars, cheaters and thieves.

Wikipedia Reference

Honoring Those Who Serve in 2011

Our service men and women, first responders and veterans have often worked outside the bright spotlight of center stage; their good deeds often ignored or unknown.

As the year 2011 approaches, the time has come for fellow Americans to honor those who serve.

Our time has come to show honor, love and respect to those in service to the United States of America.

Your service men and women, first responders, and veterans have given much to this great nation.

All have given some, and some gave all.

What shall you give in return?

Will you answer the call to "Honor Those Who Serve" in 2011?