What is the measure for a hero? Hollywood, for the most part, sends us the idea that a hero is a man with a knife in his teeth and one bullet in his magazine. The guy who saves the world from destruction is absolutely is a hero. Heroes, however, come in all shapes and sizes, living among us, blending in just as heroes do. The heroes I am thinking about today are our military veterans, living just as you and I do. The difference is that they have made contributions to our country which have made it possible for us to live as we do: free from oppression and tyranny and free to do and say things that are unimaginable in many other places. As another Memorial Day has come and gone, I'd like to introduce you to one true American hero.
When I think of heroes, I think of people such as Stephen Fleener, my 89-year-old neighbor. Fleener was a co-pilot aboard a B-24 Bomber flying over Northern Italy in WWII. Fleener was shot down, and the plane exploded. He suffered nerve damage, creating an injury he suffered with during his time in a German POW camp. He continues to suffer with it this very day. After his service, Fleener went on to serve Indiana, retiring from the state in 1952. Today he lives with Mary, his wife of 57 years, on the north side of Indianapolis.
I see a disconnection with history in today's world. United States citizens reap the benefits of the blood, sweat and tears of our soldiers and yet have no idea about the sacrifices they made. This occurs every time we speak our mind without any realistic fear of persecution, which is due at least in part to our veterans. Many of today's youth will receive these gifts but will not give much back in return.
Memorial Day is a time to give thanks to our soldiers and veterans and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. These people who gave of themselves are not just seen in the memorials and on television shows we see. They are all around us just like Fleener is for me. Everywhere you look you see someone who set aside his or her hopes and dreams for a while and went to make sure that we would always have a great nation here in America.
Giving thanks to our veterans does not have to be elaborate. It can be as simple as saying "thank you" to a veteran when you have the opportunity. It could mean going to a VA hospital and visiting with someone. The easiest way to thank them, though, is something I see all too rarely. When you are at a ballpark, or a racetrack, or an arena, when the national anthem is played, stand up, remove your hat and face the flag with your hand over your heart. It takes two minutes out of your day and it means a lot to any veteran who is watching. It is simply showing respect to those who have served and those who are serving our country.
One of the greatest blessings in my life has been that I have been able to call Mr. Fleener a friend despite our vast differences in age and experiences. I am honored to know a true American hero.
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