Teaching courage: More lessons should include those who made a difference

There is always great concern that we make sure America's youths understand the horrors of war -- and why it should be avoided at all costs.

And in an age when violence-filled video games, movies and television have taken the edge off death, it probably is a good idea to share with students just what kind of consequences are paid when nations do battle, no matter how just the cause.

We never want a generation to take military action lightly -- or leaders to forget the sacrifices made in this nation's name.

But as we charge our youths to remember the cost of war, it is also important to celebrate courage. And that lesson comes in the stories of the heroes -- the individuals who have the chance to escape doing the right thing because no one will ever know, yet who put themselves at great risk to assist someone else.

And there are thousands of stories just like that in every war, every conflict, every piece of history.

The story of Private Dan Bullock is just one of many stories of young men and women whose only thought was service to those with whom they shared the battlefield.

Bullock did not stop to think about consequences or the great expanse of life he still had before him.

He did what heroes do -- and he, not a professional athlete or a rap singer, is the kind of role model we should covet for our young people.

Perhaps if our youngsters knew more about people like Bullock and less about the antics of musicians and wayward athletes, they would have a better focus on what kind of life to which they should aspire.

Just think of the difference it might make -- giving our youths someone they really can believe in.

Published in Editorials on January 25, 2010 10:45 AM