"I am no hero"

It's been much too long since I've blogged. It's my hope to pick back up and blog on a more regular basis. We shall see...

Today I received a noteworthy email from my best guy friend who is currently deployed to Iraq, again. This particular email was sent to all of his family and friends, at the same time, in an attempt to save time. With his permission, I'm adding it here.

The email reads:

I am not sure how many of you read the book Band of Brothers or have even seen the mini series that was on HBO based off the book. Darrell "Shifty" Powers was a member of 506th PIR REGT in WWII that freed the world from Hitler.

It troubles me to know that a true American Hero like Shifty Powers passes away without any fan fare or real acknowledgment. Sadly, many members of the "Greatest Generation" are passing away and there are fewer and fewer left. What really bothers me is the Nation morns the loss of an ex NFL QB, that was killed by his girlfriend while his wife was at home. The world morns the loss of Micheal Jackson. So many of his European fans wouldn't have the freedoms they have today with out men like Shifty Powers. How many of these true American Heroes have passed away unnoticed? I remember being at Ft Lewis, WA when some NASCAR driver was killed. The country seemed to stand still, but earlier that week a Blackhawk crashed killing all on board, and it was just a blurb in the news.

I dont think we as Americans realize what we have and what those who have died have given us. Go talk to a member of the Armed Forces or a Veteran. Say thank you to them, call them a hero. Almost all of them won't know what to say. They will tell you "I am no hero". Many will be embarrased. Many will say "I just did my job". As Americans, I think we need to pay more attention to those who truely are heros. Not the Jacksons, McNairs, and all the others that are remembered while those who truly know what is it like to give or some that gave it all get no mention.

Just my thought for today. I hope you all are well.

Most days, especially today, I have to wonder if he truly realizes he is one of the heroes he has written about. I honestly think he doesn't. What I do know is he would definitely tell you he's no hero... but, he is.