Ignorance on a day of Remembrance

[Wulfonce]

Just thought I'd share something that happened on the job site today that really brought my blood to a boil.

I work construction. We work long and hard hours. Today was Remembrance Day (Poppy Day, Veterans Day, Armistice Day and such). As we were working 11:11am rolled around. The loader operator shut down his machine, sounded his horn and cranked up his radio followed by steping out and removing his hat. The sound of bagpipes filled the air as we bowed our heads and took a minuet to remember those who gave there lives to allow us the freedom we have today.

All but two...

Off in the corner of the site were two younger men texting on there cell phones, laughing and carrying on. I could see others glancing up at them disgusted at there lack of respect. Just before the minuet of silence started I yelled "SHUT THE *BEEP* UP!" my voice ringing loud and clear across the entire construction site. They did, but wouldn't remove the smirks from there faces.

After the silence was over I walked over to them "both still smirking" and asked them is it to much to take one minuet a year to remember. One responded saying "What did they ever do for us?" I lost it and told them to get the *Beep* off the site.

I walked over to the loader operator to give him instructions and noticed he had tears in his eyes. I figured I'd best leave him alone for a few minuets. Later on he shook my hand saying "Thank you for doing what you did".

I don't know if the two will be coming back, I honestly don't care whether they do or not. The events of today really got me thinking. How many of us even care anymore?

Please answer the poll honestly.



EDIT: Im aware "minute" is spelled wrong" oops.

 

[TheRealAndyCook]

good job A+

 

[Madding]

Your story is admirable but the poll doesn't make sense to me, as many places in America do other things besides moments of silence to celebrate the veterans and remembrance of the fallen. So, no I did not do a moment of silence, but that says nothing about my pride in our veterans.

 

[Keasarge]

lol u were a lot more patient than i would have been! i would have said a lot more than that makes me so angry! i know many people that didnt do a minute its sad that that attitude seems to be growing and mostly from the younger people (no offence intented im young to only 23!) i admit until i joined the service i wasnt really aware of the sacrfices they made for us, both my hubby and i are navy and even though im on maternity leave atm i went to work with our son and attended the service.

 

[Bhack91]

In all honesty its wrong they were doing that, but me personally would have went over to them and made them be quiet. Yelling obscene words in the middle of the minute of silence I feel is still disrespectful even for the reason given. I do recognize that you took action while others weren't, it is just unfortunate that people do not realize what they are given nowadays. And that this situation even exists is sign of how disrespectful/nieve this generation is becoming.

 

[jclyde13]

Your story is admirable but the poll doesn't make sense to me, as many places in America do other things besides moments of silence to celebrate the veterans and remembrance of the fallen. So, no I did not do a moment of silence, but that says nothing about my pride in our veterans.

+1

 

[jclyde13]

In all honesty its wrong they were doing that, but me personally would have went over to them and made them be quiet. Yelling obscene words in the middle of the minute of silence I feel is still disrespectful even for the reason given. I do recognize that you took action while others weren't, it is just unfortunate that people do not realize what they are given nowadays. And that this situation even exists is sign of how disrespectful/nieve this generation is becoming.

He didn't do it in the middle of it, he said that he did it just before the minute of silence began.

 

[Wulfonce]

Your story is admirable but the poll doesn't make sense to me, as many places in America do other things besides moments of silence to celebrate the veterans and remembrance of the fallen...

Do share! As a Canadian I'm use to the 1 minute of silence. I'm interested in how other people remember.

 

[Bhack91]

He didn't do it in the middle of it, he said that he did it just before the minute of silence began.

My bad misread that.

 

[Wulfonce]

He didn't do it in the middle of it, he said that he did it just before the minute of silence began.

Correct.

Nearly every radio station will go silent for about 10 seconds then play bagpipes or bugles for 1 minute followed by a minute of silence.