The meaning of the word respect has been lost and is seldom seen applied in today’s hectic world. Its importance is defined as; “Showing that one values another as an individual and that he honors the personal rights and dignity of the person as a fellow human being. It is regard for another person’s abilities, achievements or qualities.”

Many of the younger generation fail to show respect toward anything or any person.

As a youngster I recall parents, teachers and most elder’s encountered insisted respect be shown. When I was in school teachers and any other adult was addressed as “sir” or “ma’am.” I don’t think anyone is addressed in that manner in this day and age.

Recently, I was dinning with a group of friends; there were six of us and we often go out to various restaurants together. We had enjoyed a great meal and my wife got her camera out, as she often does, and said we need a photo of this occasion.

The restaurant was very busy with a line waiting for tables so when we asked the waitress if she could take a photo for us, she remarked if I get a chance.

Because we didn’t want to hold up perspective diners hoping for our table, we agreed we should forget the photo. As the smiles slipped off our faces a young father at the next table expressed he had heard us ask the waitress about taking a photo of our group. He asked if we would like to have someone very skilled take our picture. We all said sure and the father introduced us to his 12-year-old son explaining he was very familiar with photography. When the father turned to the boy and asked if he would help us out, he replied; “Yes sir.”

I did a double take upon hearing that response, amazed that the words came out of the mouth of a 12-year-old. Pretty surprising and even more surprising when my wife offered the boy a small payment for his effort and he said, “Thank you, but absolutely not.”

It was so refreshing to see a family, Mom, Dad and son enjoying a meal together — without a phone in sight. The boy seemed to be truly enjoying the company of his parents and I sure have to commend them for the great upbringing. I did learn that he attends a school on a nearby airbase so perhaps the instructors had a hand in shaping his respectful attitude.

I’m sure I am not the only person aware of the lack of respect being shown these days. It is displayed wherever you look, most prominently recently on TV. Many media reporters fail to show respect while describing news items that center on our newly elected president. They frequently refer to him as, “Donald Trump” or just “Trump.” Past presidents may occasionally have been called by their last names — “Clinton, Obama or Bush.” But when they served, and an event took place referring to them, they received the title of “president.”

President Trump may not have been the choice of some of the media who show such disrespect, but he is the elected president of the United States. He is entitled to the title and if our people continue to refuse to use it, other countries’ representatives will adopt the same disrespect.

I note police officers do not receive the respect they deserve as they are often referred to as “cops.” The officers are involved in most reports of shootings — and they occur daily, but they are not given credit for the dedication they show in facing danger and saving lives. They are the people who leave their families each day, and risk never returning, to protect those in their communities. As I see it, they earn and certainly deserve the highest respect.

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