True Hero Story

With today being the anniversary of 9-11, it seems fitting to talk about heroes. But sometimes I think we confuse just who is a hero and who isn't. 

For example, does being able to throw a football the farthest, most accurate make a person a hero? You'd sure think so by those who worship them.

Does being able to dribble a basketball and sink a shot from half court make a person a hero? Again, you'd sure think so by the way people fawn all over those who can.

What about winning gold medals at the Olympics? Does getting put on a Wheaties box make a hero? Once again, it appears so.

I disagree. I don't think any of the above qualities make a hero. Just because a person has an athletic ability beyond the norm, nope, not a hero. 

Sunday however, I saw a real hero. In fact, I saw several.  You see, Sunday afternoon, our neighbor's house caught on fire. They were working on a motorcycle in their garage, there was a gas leak and the thing exploded. 

By the time we got outside, our next door neighbor had the woman out and was bringing her across the street. Another neighbor went in and got the man out, through the window. This was not a little fire either.  These people thought not of themselves, but others. They rushed into danger that could have taken their lives.

Not long after, the fire department showed up. More people faced danger to protect others. By this time, the whole garage, a motorhome, two trucks outside the garage and one inside were totally engulfed in flames.

There were no cheering crowds, no fans shouting their names. No one wore their names and numbers on t-shirts.  These men did their jobs then packed up their gear and returned to wait the next call for help.

I believe those who serve in the military to be heroes also. These men and women have agreed to lay down their lives to protect the rights and freedoms we take for granted.

And what about the police? Sure, it's annoying when they stop us for speeding or whatever but when push comes to shove, we want them there to protect us from those that would do us harm.

These are true heroes. Fire fighters, police officers, military personnel and the guy next door. 

Today, I say thanks.  Thanks for your service. Thanks for your sacrifice. Thanks for doing your job. And, thanks for being the kind of neighbor we all want to have.

H is for... Heroes

Ask a kid who his hero is and you'll likely get the name of some cartoon "good guy" such as Spiderman, Superman, Wonder Woman, or Batman.

Or, you may get the name of some athlete or sports personality.

My question...does being able to throw a perfect spiral or sink a free throw from half court make a person a hero? Does getting up on stage, belting out some words in tune and in time with the music while doing a little dance make a person someone we should look up to, or want our children to look up to?

When I checked the definition of hero, here's what I found. "A person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal." 

Here's my thoughts on heroes.

A hero is the person who runs into danger to save others.  People who put their lives on the line to protect those who need it, even if they don't want it or appreciate it. 

Firefighters, police officers, military members are all heroes. These are people we can look up to.

But common, ordinary people can be heroes, too.  How many times have we heard of strangers who rush to the aid of disaster victims? Or children who face their fears and save their friends or family. 

Even animals can be heroes.  Family pets often perform heroic deeds for their owners.  And what about those animals trained as service animals?  Can we not call them heroes? I bet their owners do.

During WWII, 29 dogs were killed in military service.  Most of them were Doberman Pinchers. These dogs were most definitely heroes.  25 of them are buried on Guam on the Naval Air Station.  Here's a photo of the War Dog Memorial that marks the spot.

Today, I want to encourage you to find a true hero and let them know you appreciate their service.