Heroes

Heroes
Today is June 27th, 2008, and my thoughts are on the 4th of July holiday. I thought about how many people died for our freedom, and the word Hero came into my mind.
What is a hero?
Picture this: you are in war torn Iraq imbedded with the 16th Wolf Pac of the 108th infantry division. Out of breath as you run behind men moving through building after building, chasing down insurgents. Bullets are whizzing by your head like a bunch of mad hornets. The pungent smell of gunpowder fills your nostrils, and sweat is burning your eyes, but you continue on, trying to keep up with the group as it surges ahead. Your job is to write about these brave young men, and their job is to kill or be killed.
At the front of the small squad is Gomez the point guard for today. He is ever alert to any sound or movement that seems out of place. His gun follows his line of sight as if they were locked together by some invisible force. Across the street in a window the barrel of a gun starts to move in his direction. He opens fire with his automatic, and a barrage of lead blows apart the window and everything in it. He signals the men behind him that it is clear. They move out rapidly one by one, taking defensive positions to cover each one as they leave the protection of the building and go out into the street.
Out of nowhere a grenade falls at the feet of Jimmy Jones. Without thinking, Hector Gomez dives down on it as it explodes violently. In this selfless act he protects his fellow warriors, giving his life so others may live.
This is the act of a hero.

Tears well up into the eyes of Mario Gomez as he watches the flag draped coffin of his older brother being unloaded into the waiting hearse. He remains stoic and salutes his brother’s coffin. His brother has always been the rock and foundation of the family, and now he is gone.
Standing in front of the casket at the funeral parlor Mario says a little prayer for his brother. His sister Teresa walks up sobbing uncontrollably as she looks down at Hector. Mario puts his arm around Teresa holding back his own tears of sorrow, and tells her he’s there for her. Mario spends the rest of the day consoling his mother, cousins, aunts, and uncles. With a gentle hug, pat on the back, or firm handshake he reaffirms their faith in God, and the love of Hector.
Mario is the unsung hero who has to carry on, because life does not stand still.
All across America this act of heroism is being played out day after day.
Remember the HEROES from the war and the HEROES left behind.
Celebrate America, but remember why we are free.

Robert L. Murdoch

06/27/08