A Hero.......

Our pastor's sermon yesterday was appropriate for the Memorial Day holiday and focused on the true meaning of a hero. Of course the perfect hero was Our Lord who met every criteria regarding the use of that term. There are, however, tainted flesh and blood individuals deserving of the name and they should be commended and honored on this special day.

A hero is someone who takes a personal risk, jeopardizes his well being and perhaps even his own life for the sake of another. It is not a sport's icon, a Hollywood personality or even a well intentioned philanthropist. These people take no risk. Those valiant members of  our Armed Forces who face danger in our stead are worthy; those firefighters and police officers who protect, serve and on occasion are called upon to save us from threats are also heroes. Take the time to honor and remember them.

I know I may take criticism for this but it has always bothered me that those poor souls who lost their lives in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on 9/11 have been as a lot referred to as heroes. Most were victims...innocent, undeserving victims of horror but victims none the less. Among their numbers I am certain there were many true heroes, those who helped others escape and who sacrificed their lives for the sake of others.  The firemen and police who defied the odds, entered the buildings prepared for the worst and lost it all. I feel deep sadness for the loss of every individual but being marked a hero should be reserved for those deserving of the name.

So, off my soapbox now with gratitude for the day I enjoyed to the men and women who have in the past and continue in the present to make the freedom we enjoy possible........Heroes!