American Heroes

by Susannah Wollman

Perhaps it isn’t politically correct to say that our military men and women are heroes, but at America’s ER, we believe they are. Whatever branch of service they are in, they serve you and me and all our other neighbors in this great country of ours.

Michael N. Castle famously said, “These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor—and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror.”

Many of us remember 9/11. This day is one most people won’t readily forget, when America was attacked on her own shores. For many, that was the day terrorism became real. God willing, we will never face such a day again.

And as long as America has brave heroes in the military, we will continue to be free.

What freedoms are worth protecting? Our Constitution guarantees us the freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And our Military heroes make sure it stays that way. And James Allen put it succinctly when he said, “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”

But they do way more than fight battles for us.

They perform rescue operations. They bring food and humanitarian relief to impoverished areas. They also provide medical assistance in some of those same places. They keep our Embassies secure. They help police areas that are volatile. They help in areas where natural disasters have occurred. They assist law enforcement and provide piracy and drug interdiction. They are much more than boots on the ground in wartime.

Even when our men and women in uniform are home, they are heroes. They inspire and motivate the younger generations to look beyond the latest verbal attack on Americans and see all that makes America great. E. W. Howe told us that “a boy doesn’t have to go to war to be a hero; he can say he doesn’t like pie when he sees there isn’t enough to go around.” Sharing and caring is the fabric of our wonderful country!

Every single American citizen can be a hero in fighting for what is right. According to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight — it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

Since May is Military Appreciation Month, perhaps you are flying the Stars and Stripes at your home or business. Did you know there is proper etiquette for flying the American flag? Here’s the list: