Ángel Franco/The New York Times
On the other side of a wall is a list of those who fought and died, earning a place of honor on the plaque that bears their names. However, each is separate and in no way equal.
Every man named fought as hard or harder, bled as much or more.
Yet here, there is no equality of measure or merit. Here the distance is as great as it has ever been. The law states it must remain so. But there is no moral law that justifies the legal one.
Many a man has shed blood for a cause, the most precious spilled upon the place they called home, paying the ultimate price for a freedom denied them. How much different is this from that blood shed in France, Germany, and Italy? These men fought for our rights, yet were - and still are - denied theirs.
But is honor a place or a perception? Or are they both?
Another plaque has joined these two. Combining the names, but not the perception. How can it when a wall remains as a solid reminder of their differences?
Honor is more than a place on a wall. It is borne of integrity, and in distinguishing yourself by honest action and moral rectitude. No plaque or place can give it to you, and it cannot be taken away unless willingly given.
Times have changed from the one in which these men lived. Yet memories and prejudices remain strong, undeterred by rhetoric and logic. And until they succumb to the latter, the former will do no good.
Talk does no good, and action has done little more.
So I wait, and hope, for change to continue fighting for those who can fight no more; for voices to be heard who can no longer speak; for honor to be applied equally and fairly to those that deserve it.
Newspapers (online or off) are not merely for information. Many are amazing inspiration. This one has been sitting in my slush pile much too long. But perhaps the time was necessary to let it achieve its full impact.
Articles which inspired my thoughts above:
Killing and Segregated Plaque Divide Town
Answers Sought in 1946 Ga. Killing (A veteran listed on one of the plaques)
Taylor County Will Keep Segregated Plaques Of WWII Veterans
1 comments:
Strong voice rings from this piece. I hate that people are still prejudice and try every way not to acknowledge equality of each man. Sadly, I fear, this will continue for a long time to come. But why?
Have a nice day.
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