Heroes

Heroes. What does that word mean exactly? Webster defines the word "hero" as "a man who is noted for his special achievements." Is that really true, though? Do we really celebrate the bravery and integrity of our Heroes of today? Are they really "noted" and recognized for their valor and self-denial? Or, do we choose to conveniently forget the sacrifices they make and carelessly live in a world in which they have helped make possible for us?

We all have Heroes in our lives. Some come in the shape of a friend who is there right when we need them. Some are complete strangers, but one act of kindness on their part totally changes the course of our lives forever. Some vocationally have chosen to live the life of a Hero and willfully run into burning buildings or face uncertain dangers on the raw streets of America. Some go on to tell their grandchildren and great-grandchildren their amazing stories and some, more than some, lose their lives protecting their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Our dear friend pictured above has been overseas for the past several months risking his life to help preserve our way of life here. He would never say he is a Hero. My kids would beg to differ. He sent some amazing pictures home of a recent event that took place where he is stationed. I wanted to share them with you, not to glorify war or death, but to ask you to remember. They need to know we haven't forgotten. They are all heroes. They are OUR Heroes.

"They died together trying to save the other one from overwhelming odds and effective rpg and machine gun fire. Of the nine that died 8 died at the observation post. There were three guys there when the attack started. They died trying to reinforce and rescue their brothers. They knew that their brothers were getting killed and wounded and they still ran into the gunfire. All these guys believed that they were here doing the right thing. Doing a job that their country asked them to do. I don't believe that given the choice that any of them would have been anywhere else that day. When it gets right down to it, they don't fight for America (although they love their country). They fought for each other. Ultimately, they won and the attack was repelled. These are amazing men. So young but at the same time there is age and hardness that their peers at home don't have. They had the memorial service on Sunday. It was humbling to be there. It is humbling to be here with them." - Written by my friend above, another Hero.