As we celebrate another Veterans Day, we take time to look up to those who have given a portion of their lives to serve their country.  We’ll hear inspiring words concerning their unselfish and heroic deeds.  Many of them will bow their heads in humility, because they don’t consider themselves to be heroes.

A man or woman who serves his fellow man becomes a real hero, only when he puts them first.  Heroes are everywhere.  We see them on the streets of our cities, breaking up an act of violence.  They’re in the classrooms of schools and universities across the country, standing as guardians and protectors of our children.  They are born out of poverty and necessity.  They rise out of pain and adversity.

Heroes come in all sizes, shapes, colors, creeds and can become brave just by living life.  The fellow, standing in line at the grocery store, as a young mother counts out the last of her change to pay for her purchase, becomes her hero when he offers to pay what she can’t.  A woman who tirelessly cares for her aging mother, by putting her own life on hold, is a hero.  The person who willingly gives up a kidney to save a life is a hero.  Most of these ordinary folks don’t consider themselves any more heroic than the next guy.  Many do these things because they’ve learned from the greatest hero ever to walk the earth.

Today, as we honor those who serve in our military, let’s not forget the everyday heroes – those who put others first – those who humble themselves and serve – those who do things without concern for their own safety or lives – and thank God for them.