Many of us had the very great privilege of speaking to students in the Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Seattle School Districts at Veterans Day Assemblies. I for one was very encouraged by what I witnessed – the schools were actually teaching students patriotism and the important role played by our military in protecting our way of life. We as members of the VFW were able to inform students (and equally important faculty and staff) that liberty and freedom are not free. That with freedom also comes responsibility. If we fail to “provide for the common defense”, America, as we know it, cannot long exist.
As I participated in a number of very well organized and orchestrated assemblies, I found one thing missing – prayer and a forum to express thanks to Almighty God for the freedom we enjoy. Our Founding Father specifically recognized our “Creator”, “Divine Providence”, “Nature’s God”, and “Supreme Judge of the World”. However, in our schools and in the education of our youth, any reference to or mention of God has been prohibited! Why? As your Chaplain, I question the wisdom of trying to make America a secular society. We are to enjoy freedom of religion not freedom from religion. I found the teachers encountered during Veterans Day Assemblies thoroughly outstanding. I do question, however, the ever increasing responsibility we place on them! The following is an email I received which states my views. (I would give the author credit, if I knew who he or she was!)
NOMINATED FOR “BEST EMAIL OF THE YEAR 2012”
After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said: ‘Let me see if I’ve got this right. You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning. You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and
sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self-esteem and personal pride. You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote,
balance a checkbook, and apply for a job. You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams. You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card. You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps. You want me to do all this, and then you tell me. . .. I CAN’T PRAY?’