Like many others, I am a fan of the Olympics. I enjoy watching sports that usually don't get much press, and for two weeks my TV is tuned into the station with something Olympic. This morning as I watched I heard something that made me take note. All next week this network is going to have "A hero's welcome home".
Although I am in awe at the athleticism in this group, can we consider them hero's? Sure, they are dedicated and work hard for a small time in the spotlight. Many are professionals, getting paid to play a sport. Many are blessed with an athletic ability some of us could never possess. They are competitive, but what have they done to be given hero status?
Have they placed there lives on the line for the sake of peace? Have they been away from family and friends under great mental and emotional stress so others can sleep well at night? Have they faced great danger so some can pursue a life of sport?
While this station has dedicated two weeks to this sporting event many of our soldiers and Marines have been killed with barely a passing notice. Maybe it is too sad of news to report while they are having a great time in London. Of course it is, but our brave are fighting so those reporters and athletes can have that wonderful vacation. They don't do it for glory, they do it for love of country, family and friends. They do it for the guy next to them.
It's time to stop using the word Hero so loosely, stop de-valuing the meaning. How about just a "welcome home", that is what it is.
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