True valor: Let's hope nation never forgets what it means to be a hero

Another Medal of Honor ceremony -- not that they are all that common. Few people actually receive this rare honor.

Another harrowing tale of a young man facing terrible odds who does not back down, does not give up, but who fights to make sure others can make it home.

And another honoree who insists that he is not the real hero -- that the honor he is receiving is on behalf of the men who did not make it home.

And another example of just how many members of the U.S. armed forces there are who serve with valor and distinction -- and who understand what honor and brotherhood really mean and why they matter.

Perhaps what needs to happen in this nation is that instead of sitting our children down in front of war video games, we should share the personal histories of the nine living Medal of Honor recipients and those who are no longer with us.

Maybe we should allow them to read what war is really like when there is no reset button and to discuss with them what a real hero is.

Perhaps we would accomplish two goals -- to get our children away from the television -- and to teach them the true meaning of courage.

Both are worthy endeavors.

Published in Editorials on July 22, 2014 10:43 AM