At the beginning of January, we visited Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and watched the guard-changing ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. The Tomb Sentinels are dedicated to their duty. No matter if it’s cold, steamy, or stormy, the mission continues 24/7, as it has since 1937. As we observed the somber ceremony and the soldiers’ respectful demeanor, I couldn’t help but contrast that with the situation that took place less than four miles away a year earlier.

On January 6, 2021, at another national icon, malevolent forces influenced susceptible pawns to attack. After inciting a horde of barbarians, the main instigator retreated to the security and comfort of the White House and watched mayhem at the US Capitol unfold on TV. Rioters, supporters of POTUS 45, marched to the Capitol and attempted to disrupt the certification of the presidential election. The mob broke barricades, doors, windows, and heads; overwhelming police, causing $1.5 million in damages to the building, and contributing to multiple deaths and injuries. Any claim to a noble purpose disappeared with the erection of a gallows and calling for the hanging of the US Vice President. Perhaps, the most revolting sign of disrespect was feces smeared in hallways. It wasn’t just death, damage, and desecration; it was the defiling of a democratic process. One person, desiring to hold onto personal power, convinced surrogates to threaten democracy on his behalf.

January 6th, the thirteenth day after Christmas, is also known as Epiphany or Three Kings Day. In some cultures, it is a day for exchanging gifts in imitation of the Magi who brought gifts to baby Jesus. When we lived in Germany, on Epiphany, some families would inscribe a blessing on their door for the upcoming year. “Chalking the door” involves writing the year, separated by the letters C, M, and B (e.g., 20+C+M+B+22 is the 2022 blessing). The letters are an abbreviation of Latin, “Christus mansionem benedicat” (May Christ bless this house), and also invoke the names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar (said to represent Asia, Europe, and Africa).

An epiphany also means a sudden awareness of essential nature.

Imagine that uninvited guests invaded your home, how would you view it? In 2021, the feast of Epiphany was corrupted by vigilantism and vandalism. Some have tried to rewrite the Capitol insurrection narrative. Some who have tried to revise history are elected officials. US Representative Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) claimed the riot was “a normal tourist visit.” Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) endorsed the rioters with an upraised fist.

The President is Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the United States, including soldiers who serve at ANC. The President used his position to provoke violence by inciting thugs to assault the Capitol: “Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!” They got wild and he did nothing, in violation of his oath of office to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” A commander is responsible for everything that happens or fails to happen. A year ago, he violated his oath and he needs to be held accountable.

You decide. What vision of civic virtue and shared purpose would you rather see in our country and in your neighborhood? Who represents a force for good — members of “The Old Guard” or those charged with storming the Capitol?

20+C+M+B+22 — May the People’s House & Senate be blessed.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Unknown

© Joan S Grey, 10 Jan 2022 ∞
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