Readers: no "official" cartoon and commentary today, but after yesterday's admittedly (and unashamedly) angry post, I wanted to share something positive and uplifting with you.
The image you see above is from a commemorative t-shirt that I received in the mail yesterday. It was a gift from frequent commentor Jim Hlavac, whose brother-in-law perished with other firefighters in the elite "Rescue 1" group on September 11th, 2011 after rushing into the burning World Trade Center to save lives (which was his unsung job every day).
His name is in the list above, but I didn't want to single it out...in part out of respect for his family's privacy, but also because every name listed above is that of a hero.
When the daily news and the world of politics wear me down (which is often), it's important for me to take time to reflect on the real heroes out there who are doing far more courageous things every day than writing an opinion blog.
It's those heroes, living and dead, that have made this a country worth celebrating and worth defending.
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Further proof that the "Greatest Generation" was not a specific time in our history. It is they who answer the call and are driven by a commitment to duty to their fellow man. This lives on in the actions of those who face all manner of peril on our behalf. Those who run in while others run out. God bless them all.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm still angry... There are those in our country that would love to take a piss on that shirt (Can we say, Ground Zero Mosque?), and it grieves me that our alleged president might be one of them.
ReplyDeleteJim,
I know you sometimes take a beating on this web page, but I'm sure all who blog here share your grief and loss. I know you and your family will never forget and will always have a hole in your heart, but pray you will continue to heal over time.
"It's those heroes, living and dead, that have made this a country worth celebrating and worth defending. "
ReplyDeleteAmen, Stilt, A-MEN.
VERY cool shirt
May those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice be remembered in our hearts, always, and serve as daily inspiration to do good, in ways big and small.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless them all.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great gift, and what a great message.
ReplyDeleteThanks all, truly.
ReplyDeleteYes, there is positive news in the world; even in the face of tragedy.
And it's why I get upset when my life is reduced to a cardboard cutout of "homosexual" (Lord I hate that word) -- and when politicians & religious figures (not all, far too many yet,) say I'm "against" something, oh, family, God, country, the list is near endless of what I'm allegedly "against" -- I have no earthly clue what they are talking about.
And neither did any of these guys or their widows or orphans either, for I am still involved with all of them, as just, well, just sweet ol' me. :)
Jim, I am one of those who acasionally "bust your chops" about some items ... never against you per se', ... Please give my thanks to your family and know they are included in my daily divination ceremony! Blessed Be!
ReplyDeleteStilt, thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to honor the heroes of 911 so that we may etch their names in our minds and hearts. Jim, God bless you and your family, and I hope that you take small comfort in knowing that you have family here as well who will continue to love and support you and who will always be grateful for men like your brother-in-law.
ReplyDelete