It wasn’t long after we’d editorialized against any mention of the Westboro Baptist Circus that we discovered its intention to picket the funeral of United States Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Hamski.

And indeed, the circus ventured to Ottumwa on Saturday. All seven members of it.

They were met by the Ottumwa Police Department, which ensured their observance of the Iowa law requiring them to remain at least 500 feet from churches, processions and cemeteries.

Given the warm reception they received from Ottumwa residents — the TV stations refused to film them, residents that had never met Joe lined the streets around the church to block Westboro from view and some businesses refused them service — we’re sure they were more than thankful for the armed escort.

At the funeral service, more than 100 members of the Patriot Guard Riders stood silently, American flags in hand, paying homage to the 82nd Iowan to give his life since March 2003.

We’ve become far too complacent when it comes to hearing bad news from overseas. It’s become a fact of life for our generation. We’ve grown up on cell phones, social media and war. We’ve grown accustomed to being molested at the airport for “our protection” and accustomed to seeing flags flying at half-staff.

Patriotism has become synonymous with warmongering in certain circles. But it is possible to be anti-war and pro-soldier. Even veterans of the recent conflict can fall into this category.

Those people deserve our reverence and our respect. An all-volunteer military doesn’t undermine the sacrifice, not one bit.

Joseph Hamski died for us. For all of us. You don’t have to pick up a gun, vote in a booth or fly a flag to repay the favor. Just remember. If you have to change your lifestyle a little to do so, then so be it. The first step to respect is attention.