Of Memorial Day and Heroes

I've been thinking lately about the subject of heroes. People who've given their lives for our country. My own Grandfather, whom I never had the honor to know, served in the military. "Cassidy" as his buddies Americanized it, as well as his brother (my great-uncle and god-father)Nino, served in the Army-each for two years. To say I am proud of that heritage, would be minimizing the statement. My husband had his own foray into the Army, as well as a very good friend of ours, who's now serving in Iraq for his third, and hopefully final tour. One of my friend's (also a co-worker) husband served in the Marines for four years-three of which he spent in Japan. Not to mention the people we brush shoulders with everyday, and so many others yet unmentioned. We owe our lives to these people...America's finest.
I've also been thinking about the heroes in our everyday life-the ones who are mostly unnoticed. This piece is one of my favorites, and I think it sums up my feelings better than I ever could...

I used to think Heroes were easy to
recognize by their fancy uniforms and shiny
medals. I used to believe they were always the
people in newspaper headlines and history books.

But through the years of my life, I've seen
Heroes that look a lot like teachers and nurses
and neighbors and friends.
There are Heroes who risk their lives for
those they may never meet. And there are
everyday Heroes all around us who quietly lend
a gentle hand,
a listening ear,
a healing touch.
Some Heroes wear handsome uniforms.
Some Heroes are clothed in the aging body
of a grandparent or the innocent spirit of a child.
I used to think Heroes were easy to recognize...

Now, I understand, they're just ordinary
people with extraordinary hearts.
Hearts that reach out to a stranger in need
without expecting to be noticed and without ever
realizing the life-changing
difference they have made.
-Kimberly Rinehart

Honor and Duty (and current attitude...)

"Theirs not to reason why
Theirs but to do and die."
-Alfred Lord Tennyson