A true hero doesn’t need to be recognized for his acts of courage.  The act is enough.  The field of battle has changed over the years.  The enemies have come in all sizes and shapes.  Some of those enemies have different ideas than we do – some want power – whiles others want freedom.  Some of them are unseen.  They hide in the bushes, under cover, camouflaged from those seeking them out.  Yet they are there and must be fought.

Our enemies today are much like that last group – the unidentified – the invisible – the invasive.  Those battling against this insidious foe wear protective clothing, the armor of masks and gloves and the tireless hours of persistence and dedication.  Not knowing who or when the enemy will strike is the hardest part of the fight.  Knowing that it will, is inevitable.

There are other opponents to be faced in this battle called life. Those who choose tyranny over democracy.  Those who would demonize all that this country fought so hard and long to defend.  As spiteful and evil as corruption in the ranks can be, there is still a remnant of those who will stand against such an adversary.

They do not consider themselves heroes.  They are doing what is right and good.  They do so without consideration of their own safety, because they want to be of service to their fellow man.

As we honor our military heroes for their steadfastness under fire and for their willingness to give their lives for the benefit of others, let’s also remember the every day heroes who are willing to sacrifice their own health and even their lives. A true hero is one who will lay down his life for another.  There is no greater love than this.

1 John 3:16  “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”