Inspiration: There really are heroes all across Wayne County

Heroes are not always easy to find, especially the everyday kind.

Sometimes they are on the receiving end of awards and ribbons, and sometimes they are in the background, quietly pushing others forward to take the credit.

Sometimes they wear uniforms, but sometimes they are people with stories of past valor and a legacy of service that have long ago been shuttered away.

Sometimes they are public figures, and sometimes it is their private life that makes them special — the unheralded contributions they make to their communities.

Sometimes they will admit that the path they have chosen is less than easy, and sometimes they simply do what they know is right with little to no acknowledgement of the sacrifices they have made.

They are heroes because they serve.

They are heroes because they love.

They are heroes because they care.

They are heroes because they contribute to their community with no expectation of praise.

They are heroes because they are principled and have wisdom and passion to spare.

They are heroes because they have triumphed over incredible odds.

And, every single one of them has a story that will make you feel even better about your community and its future.

We have spent many weeks putting together our annual Progress edition — Heroes Among Us — and even though we knew we were going to meet some incredible people, even we were surprised by just how interesting their stories were and how much wisdom they had to share.

All of them would say they have done nothing to be singled out, but all have some lesson to share or some triumph to celebrate.

You will see some familiar faces, but before you turn the page, read on — you will learn something about them that you did not know.

There are people from all walks of life — and all ages — stories that will make you cry, smile or feel like there is something special about this community. There is a chance to celebrate where we have been and where we are going.

And in the end, we hope that like us, you will enjoy the chance to meet some of your neighbors, up close and personal.

We hope you enjoy reading their stories as much as we did writing them.

Published in Editorials on February 29, 2008 10:49 AM