Today was a day like no other, today I was excited to meet total strangers. Our lives are what we make them, circumstances dictate what we do with the path we live on. Who we become by our circumstances can make us great people or ordinary people living everyday lives or extraordinary lives.
I am normally not impressed by people, what they do, their social status, the cars they drive, the clothes they wear or really and truly who they are......what impresses me about a person is their heart, their character, and their faith.....today I met thirteen men who not only impressed me, they humbled me, touched my heart and my soul. They brought me to tears and laughter in the brief time we spent together. At times it was if they were speaking only to me, one became a fast friend that will remember me much as I will him from this day forward. It was a once in a lifetime day......
Their stories told of bravery, friendship, love of country, love of each other, getting the job done, brotherhood, the deep love of a mother, dedication, liars and cheaters, the horrors of killing, trying to turn it off when you get home, watching your comrades die, treating the wounded and much more. Most of all they told the truth and didn't sugarcoat their stories. That impressed me the most.
One gentleman was so kind, his name is Sammy L Davis, PFC Army, Vietnam. Mr. Davis was in part responsible for many aspects of Forrest Gump. Mr. Davis wore braces on his legs as a child, he swam across the river to rescue three wounded American soldiers and other brave acts during the war. He is very proud of the movie and the aspects of that movie that he is part of. He also has a son named Bo. We shared a few stories, more than one hug and a few tears.
Hershel W. Williams Corporal US Marines WWII - is by far the most patriotic of everyone in the room. When he spoke of a mother's love and sacrifice I could not contain my tears. He spoke with great conviction, honor and respect for our country and the military. He spoke without apology but with purpose, without humor and with profound knowledge of loss. He stated that "His was the last war our country fought as a nation where our actual country was at threat for loss to our nation." When he made that statement, the room became even quieter than before as people actually felt the impact of his words.
Wal-Mart has does a beautiful job of sharing these men and their stories with us. They allowed us time to sit, to laugh, to cry and to relish in the presence of humble, honorable everyday men who became heroes when they were taken out of their normal lives and asked by the circumstances they were thrown into to perform the extraordinary,
Many had walked away from promising career opportunities as professional basketball, baseball and football players to protect and serve. Why did they do it ? - they didn't do it for money or for fame - they did it because that's who they are .........they are the elite - they didn't come looking for the medals, the medals came looking for them and those stories in itself are some of the most interesting of the day.
There are many men and women out there serving today who are heroes. These are just a few of the very best of the best..........We overpay, overrate and are star-struck by the wrong kind of people today - stars, sports, wrestlers, singers etc...... we need to really take a look at who you think is important in your life and reconsider your choices......these are the great men and women of the world.......and they are not overpaid or over appreciated.
Thank You my heroes !!!!
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