Thursday; November 30

The Army – Navy game has been an American tradition for generations. The game has been played in eras where the outcome could determine a national champion and during times when all that was at stake was institutional pride. However, one of the most memorable games was played in 1963. The game was originally scheduled for November 30, 1963; but President Kennedy’s assassination put the game on hold. After much debate, the game was rescheduled and played on December 7. The game itself was one for the ages. (Army failed to score the decisive touchdown when they ran out of time near the goal line.) Yet, one of the most remarkable issues was that the game was played at all. How could we play a “game” in light of a national tragedy? The answer was pretty simple, it is what the Kennedy family felt was the right thing to do. They had a say in what happened and they gave it the green light.

It is easy to criticize other people’s decisions – especially when clouded in years of hindsight – but we must be careful that we don’t disparage other people’s decisions, especially when we don’t know their own personal thought process or circumstances. It’s okay to think we might have done something different, but let’s not publicly belittle someone else’s choices. First of all, those decisions aren’t for us to make and secondly, we probably don’t know all the facts.

If someone asks for our advice, let’s feel free provide our opinion. However, when they don’t ask, let’s be prudent and remain quiet. When we find ourselves starting the sentence with, “If it were up to me …”, let’s remember it isn’t.

Think About It!

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