(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

I have noticed for some time a tradition in Athens, Ohio. I have been to several funerals in Athens, and when going to the cemetery have noticed that when approaching the procession, cars will pull over off the road and let the procession go by. They do this no matter which direction they are coming from.

This is a remarkable demonstration of respect for the departed, probably whom they do not know, to pull over for just a few seconds and get out of the way to show respect. That is a display of decency that is conspicuous by its absence, especially in the Parkersburg/Marietta area.

Far too often I have seen motorists cut off a procession at traffic lights, even pass part of the procession to cut in the procession line. That is just a sad commentary on the morals and lack of respect seen in our society today.

I would hope that the Parkersburg/Marietta area could take up such a practice. But, being a realist, I have my doubts. What is it that causes Athens to do this? Is it a local tradition from long ago? I do not know.

I do know that morals and respect for others have been on a downhill slide for a long time. It can be traced back to morals and values taught at home. Too many in our society today are only out for themselves. This is the “ME” generation. What is in it for ME? Are the young people of today not being taught respect for those older than themselves, those who have experienced a long life, those who have been the backbone of our country, and those who have paid the taxes and have contributed to society without being desirous of the praise of the crowd?

The young people in our country today will be old someday. What types of treatment will they receive from those younger than themselves in their old age?

We all have a responsibility to contribute to society and make it better than it is now. Perhaps the readers of this letter will think about this practice in Athens.

There is one who contributed to the betterment of society over 2,000 years ago. He is Jesus Christ, who willingly came to this earth to die on the cross for the sins of an ungrateful people. Have you accepted him or rejected him?

Robert Sadler

Marietta