Heroes...

Read Acts 22:24-30

“Brave men are all vertebrates; they have their softness on the surface and their toughness in the middle.” - Gilbert Keith Chesterton

HEROES UNAWARE
By Mark A. Wright, HMC (SS)

I first saw him on a park bench
I’ve seen him every day
Sitting in a shady grove
Where my children come to play
Sometimes he feeds the birds and squirrels
Or whittles little toys
Sometimes he just sits and smiles
At the laughing girls and boys
And I never paid him any mind
‘Till one day just this year
I noticed that he wore a frown
And on his cheek ... a tear.
Well I asked him why he seemed so down
He looked up, began to say
I lost half my friends 60 years ago today
He told me of the terror
As he fought to reach dry land
By the time the beachhead was secure
Half his friends lay in the sand
That was just in one long day
He fought on for 4 years more
And the 60 years from then to now
Have not dimmed His sights of war
He said they have reunions
Just to keep in touch and share
And for each comrade who has gone on
They leave an empty chair
Well, His park bench has been empty now
About 6 months or so
And if I’d never took the time
Then I never would’ve known
That sitting on that simple bench
With bread crumbs and little toys
Was a man who gave his all
To guarantee my daily joys
So give thanks to all the men and women
Who’re still here or have gone before
And made the highest sacrifice
In both Peace time and in War
Because they bought our freedom
Paid their own blood, sweat, and tears
Then endured the heartache of those empty chairs
For all these years
So please do not ignore them
Or speed by without a care
‘Cause you never know
When you might pass by
A hero, unaware.

There is something about seeing a man or woman in military uniform. It signifies liberty. It shouts freedom. It screams sacrifice. It roars democracy. And it whispers weeping. As Jesus wept over Jerusalem, at times my heart aches for America. Memorial Day is more than just church picnics and family gatherings. Memorial Day draws memories and thoughts to those that have purchased our freedom. Personally, I have never been called upon to lay my life down for my country, but I know several that did.
The poem that is referenced above is drawn from a picture of a young man sitting with his grandfather who was a WWI veteran. His grandfather was not well known by the elites in Washington or academia throughout campuses across the country, but he was a hero to all. Whether one is known or unknown, if he lived a life for all people, he is well known. At the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we see all those men and women that have died to purchase our freedom. It is with heart-felt sincerity that I say, “Thank you.” From the northeast point of Maine to the Pacific Islands of Hawaii, from the keys of Florida to the ice of Alaska, this young man understands what a veteran really is; my hero. How about you?