Pride And Old People

This reporter has never liked the term “Old People” but the following by an unknown author makes me feel better about it.  And, if you aren’t one, I bet you know one!

Old people are easy to spot at sporting events because during the playing of the National Anthem, older people remove their caps and stand at attention, singing without embarrassment.  They know the words and believe in them.

Old people remember World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Normandy and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, The Korean War, The Cold War, the Jet Age and the Moon Landing.  They remember the 50 plus peace-keeping missions from 1945 to 2005, not to mention Vietnam.

If you happen to bump into an old person on the sidewalk, he will apologize.  If you pass an old person

on the street, he will nod or tip his cap to a lady.  Old people trust strangers and are nice to women.

Old people hold the door for the next person and always, when walking, make certain the lady is on the inside for protection.  (My note: I’m almost positive that young men don’t know this now.)

Old people get embarrassed if someone curses in front of women and children and they don’t like any filth or dirty language on TV or in the movies. (My note: Filthy language is almost the norm in movies today.)

Old people have moral courage and personal integrity.  They seldom brag unless it’s about their children or grandchildren.

It’s old people who remove their hats while eating in a restaurant in respect for the ladies and guests.  (My note: Parents apparently do not instill this anymore. Nothing is more irritating than to see a guy with his cap on, and mostly backwards, eating in restaurants.  Where are today’s manners?)

It’s the old people who know our great country is protected, not by politicians, but by the brave young men and women in the military serving their country.

This country is in dire need of people with old people’s work ethics, sense of responsibility, pride in their country and decent values.  Parents, please take the time to teach your children these things! We need them now, more than ever!

The following poem by Charlotte Pease is so true, especially to those of us who are getting older day by day.  It’s called STAYING YOUNG:

The spirit never ages.

The essence of the soul

Is sure and strong forever

And keeps us young and whole.

The body shows that time has passed

When lines enrich the face,

When sight and hearing weaken,

When movement lacks in grace;

And yet we know that deep within

We’re winsome, bright and fair,

Just as we were when we were young

And life was ours to dare!