This Memorial Day Let's Ask Ourselves, "What is a hero?"

Anyone that knows me knows that I enjoy sports.  Baseball, basketball, football, badminton (yes-it is one of my favorites), volleyball, and even soccer.  This time of year is great for sports fanatics.  The NBA playoffs are going on, baseball is in full swing (how about the Tribe!!!) and the sun is finally shining so people can get outside and play their own games. 

So much can be learned from sports.  We learn competitiveness, the importance of discipline, the humility from defeat, etc...  However, sometimes, sports goes a little too far.  If I have time, I like to watch a game on TV and too often, an anolgy is made or a statement is made by a commentator that makes me uncomfortable because I just don't think it fits.  Too often we watch as one of the athletes gets injured early in the game, but comes back in limping and leads their team to victory--and then the accolades begin and the one I can't handle is when someone makes the statement, "How heroic!"  WHAT?  REALLY? 

When did we get to the point that a person playing a game should be considered a hero?  A few years ago, a basketball player I enjoyed watching play made headlines by saying, "I'm not paid to be a role mode."  Thank you Charles Barkley, because I agree, and if I may, while you were one heck of a basketball player, I don't think you or any other athlete should be considered a hero because of what you did on the court or field.  More is required to become a hero. 

My grandfather is my hero.  I recently visited the website for the WWII Memorial to check out his picture and information.   He is my hero because of the many sacrifices he made going to war and afterward.  I have had the privelege and honor of knowing and learning from him.  For many grandsons that has not been the case.  Men and women have been making similar sacrifices throughout this nation's history.  These men and women should be our heroes.

During this Memorial Day, let's remember those that lost their lives and those that continue to sacrifice their lives doing truly heroic things.