On certain very rare occasions, someone does something so vile and beyond the norm of civilized behavior that it virtually defies belief. When it happens in our own backyard the sense of outrage is multiplied by orders of magnitude.

The recent disgusting defilement of American flags and the grave sites of honored heroes at the Somerville Veterans Memorial Cemetery was one such shocking moment that aroused anger and heartache throughout the community.

One is left to but wonder how any individual could become so warped and darkened by whatever thought processes led them to commit such an act, and to hold orderly society in such low regard.

Yes, these are troubled times in many ways. Political and social tensions have amplified the strains between so many of us. And yet, this incident smacks of something deeper and darker. That perhaps many among us – especially the younger set – may be slipping into a cynical and viciously anti-social state of mind.

While it’s true that the individual who committed this act may be an extreme exception, let us also be mindful in seeing to it that our young ones do not slip into that darkness themselves. We must continuously teach them respect for each other and society as a whole.