Today is a day to lift up human rights

NC Newsline

Americans have a rightful reverence for the people who’ve served and sacrificed in our nation’s wars. It’s why we celebrate Memorial Day and Veterans Day – and other patriotic holidays like Independence Day, Flag Day and Armed Forces Day.

And today marks another celebration that deserves similar attention and respect, but that unfortunately seldom receives its due.

Today, December 10, is Human Rights Day – an international commemoration that’s been celebrated around the world for more than 75 years.

And especially right now – in an era during which authoritarian regimes trample basic rights of so many groups of people in so many countries – it’s hard to think of a subject more deserving of our attention.

Fortunately, the messages we lift up on Human Rights Day are simple and straightforward: respect the rights of others, stand up for those who are oppressed, celebrate the progress we’ve made in expanding human rights, and remember those who have suffered in their defense.

The bottom line: If you get a chance, take a minute today to celebrate this patriotic and all-American cause.

For NC Newsline, I’m Rob Schofield.