ww2monument

      In Emile, Jean-Jacques Rousseau writes about the importance of loyalty to one's
elders. He wrote that parents should not get nannies for their children that are going to
simply be dismissed once the child is old enough that the caretaker is no longer needed.
This was because the child see that the nanny was sent away without any further
appreciation paid. This child will not treasure the presence or love of their parents after
their necesity has passed because those parents will have set a precedent for a lack of
loyalty. By not honoring the nanny who had taken care of the child for so long, the parents
create a trend of disrespect.
       In this spirit, the United States government creates monuments and memorials to
those who have served the government. Famous statesman, such as Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, are immortalized in gigantic stone monuments. Notable groups, such as veterans of the Vietnam War and Korean War, are recognized by name or image in
prominent memorials. In loyalty to those who had served the citizens of this country, we
have created permenent reminders of their importance.
      It was recently proposed that another monument be built in the prominent area of
the Washington D.C. mall. This new monument was to honor veterans of World War II.
But, the proposal was met with mixed reactions. Some people thought that such a
monument would violate the sanctity of this famous site. They did not think that a
monument for the veterans of this world war was significant enough to disturb the land as
it was. It would seem that these children were not reaised a la Jean-Jacques. These
people may have literally been raised by nannies and babysitters who were given little or
no consideration after the cause for their necesity had ceased. Or, perhaps these people
were simply children of divorced parents, each of whom portrayed little respect or loyalty
for the other.
      This point of view, however, did not become prominent. Plans for the World
War II monument became solid and last week ground was broken in the construction of this great memorial. Advocates of this event understood the importance of loyalty for those who have served or helped you. These people, according to Rousseau, were well taught through example as children.

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