Recently, a photo of a group of individuals enjoying the fountain at the National WWII Memorial as if it were a wading pool has gone viral on social media. A local news anchor, Mark Harris, shared his thoughts on Facebook, stating, “The fountain at the WWII memorial isn’t a water slide at an amusement park. I apologize to the Greatest Generation; it seems my generation is raising self-centered, entitled kids with low SAT scores who think defying authority is a joke. Parents, please step out of the water – set a better example and #raiseYOURkids.” This post resonated with many, garnering over 34,000 shares in just two days.
Similar outrage erupted last year when images of children playing on the Vietnam Women’s Memorial circulated online. In that instance, parents were seen encouraging their kids to climb onto the memorial for a photo opportunity. This time, it appears that parents are the ones leading the charge to hop into a space meant to honor fallen soldiers.
So, is this kind of behavior acceptable? There’s a clear distinction between a public park and a memorial. People’s perspectives on history and the events commemorated in these spaces often dictate how respectfully they treat them. While political debates can stretch endlessly, one truth remains: these memorials are dedicated to honoring American heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.
As a liberal, I believe we must do more to support returning soldiers. However, this doesn’t diminish the respect owed to those who didn’t return. Regardless of your stance on wars or political views, surely you can appreciate the solemnity of acknowledging lives lost for our “freedoms,” right?
In short – get out of the fountain. Show some respect. Teach your children the difference between a wading pool and a tribute to Americans who laid down their lives for this country. If you struggle to respect such spaces, perhaps you shouldn’t visit them. I’m not particularly religious, so churches don’t hold sacred significance for me, but that doesn’t mean I would lounge in one, playing video games.
A little common sense and decency go a long way, folks. For more informative reads, check out this post on home insemination kits, and if you’re looking for reliable information, Make A Mom is a great resource on the topic. Additionally, for a deeper dive into pregnancy and home insemination, visit the Genetics and IVF Institute.
Summary
In summary, memorials serve as spaces for reflection and honor, not for recreational activities. Parents should guide their children to understand the significance of these sites and teach them to respect those who gave their lives for our freedoms. Common sense and decency are essential in maintaining the dignity of such spaces.