Originally Posted by FAX (Post 9062707)

I have a theory that the same thing is eventually going to happen with our Western concept of respect. At some point in the future, it will be an extinct idea to feel or hold "respect" for another human being.

FAX

Originally Posted by FAX (Post 9062707)

They guard the tomb out of respect, Mr. KC Fish. There really isn't any more to it than that and they require no other reason.

But I fear that, as time goes on, the concept of respect becomes stranger and makes less sense to more people. In fact, I would venture to say that respect is something that few people truly understand anymore.

You know, the ancient Greeks had this extremely important concept called "sophrosyne". Unfortunately, that word can no longer be translated by any single English word.

This quality, "sophrosyne" was, to the Greeks, an ideal second to none in importance. But it is no longer counted among our ideals. We have simply lost the conception of it. We can sort of describe its parts (after a fashion), but we cannot name it or properly define it. It is a human quality that, once revered, no longer exists.

I have a theory that the same thing is eventually going to happen with our Western concept of respect. At some point in the future, it will be an extinct idea to feel or hold "respect" for another human being.

FAX

Originally Posted by stevieray (Post 9062710)

I served with a guy who had that assignment....it is nothing short of incredible.

Originally Posted by loochy (Post 9062726)

It's not the idea of respect, it's the idea that THAT is how respect manifests itself

Originally Posted by Radar Chief (Post 9062732)

I have an old friend that used to be a Tomb guard. He had a big part in my joining the Army when I did.
The way he describes it the attention to detail not just on their uniforms but in each and every movement they make while on guard is truly incredible.

Originally Posted by KC Fish (Post 9062406)

This is one military tradition that I've never really understood. I have all the respect in the world for our military force. But why make these poor guys stand motionless out there in bad weather? What point does that make? We all know these guys are dedicated and committed, and a helluva lot tougher than me. But this just seems completely unnecessary. What if a hurricane hits them out there? Should we really risk their lives just to make a point about how tough and committed they are?

Sorry, no disrespect to soldiers. I just can't understand how this is justified these days.

Originally Posted by KC Fish (Post 9062749)

Yeah, I think this is where my confusion rests.

Originally Posted by ThaVirus (Post 9062510)

Can I get some background info here? Who's the Unknown Soldier?

Originally Posted by scho63 (Post 9062750)

I ride through Arlington National Cemetery at least once every 3-4 months. It is a humbling experience

Originally Posted by blaise (Post 9062761)

What do you want them to do, just put up a plaque that everyone will ignore?

Originally Posted by KC Fish (Post 9062790)

No. But I would expect some sort of service for these respected fellows in which the enjoyment of their work day didn't depend on the weather. One in which they wouldn't be expected to stand outside in potentially dangerous hurricane weather. I would have guessed that the most respected and revered of our servicemen would deserve better conditions than that for the recognition of their efforts and sacrifice for our country. But I don't know anything about it, which is why I asked..

Originally Posted by KC Fish (Post 9062790)

No. But I would expect some sort of service for these respected fellows in which the enjoyment of their work day didn't depend on the weather. One in which they wouldn't be expected to stand outside in potentially dangerous hurricane weather. I would have guessed that the most respected and revered of our servicemen would deserve better conditions than that for the recognition of their efforts and sacrifice for our country. But I don't know anything about it, which is why I asked..