The last twelve months have not been easy for our
country.
Our
freedom has been threatened
by mounting job losses, chaos in the financial markets, and the
continued war
on terror. We have seen supposed leaders disappoint us. Once
respected names such as Madoff and Blagojevich remind us that greed and
lust for power are
threats to the freedom and stability of our country.
In the face of a year of bad news, I am reminded of the
stories of courage and bravery from unexpected places. The hijacking of the freighter
Maersk Alabama riveted the nation.
The story showed the bravery of an everyday hero, Captain Richard
Phillips, who would later say "I was
just doing my job" when asked about the events.
If you don't remember, Captain Phillips offered himself
as hostage for the pirates so his crew was able to remain free. His willingness to knowingly risk his life is
a tale of American courage and putting others before self. He, like all of us, placed his faith in the
United States Navy and ultimately, the situation required the finest skills of highly
trained Navy SEALS to free him using three extremely difficult sniper shots
across rough ocean waters as both vessels were rolling in the waves.
Capt. Phillips is home now, as is his crew, enjoying well
deserved rest. But as with most true
heroes, the most difficult part, for a man like Richard Philips, is going to be
dealing with the attention that his heroic act will gain him. When we see stories about the fall from grace
of once respected men like Madoff and Blagojevich, think of men such as Captain
Phillips and US Airways Captain Sullenberger make the tough choice to do the right
things.
Think of the young men and women in our military who volunteer to risk their lives to protect our freedom.
It is this weekend that we remember all of those known
and unknown who have been willing to be our heroes and have paid the ultimate
sacrifice.
So, as you fire up the grill and enjoy time with family and
friends, take time to remember those who have fallen. To them we owe a
great debt. Say a prayer, visit a grave -- just do something to take
the time to remember.
The freedom we enjoy, often without a second
thought, would not be possible without them.
Have a happy and safe Memorial Day!
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