You hear sometimes, now that we know the sordid details of the lives of some of our leading figures, that America has no heroes left. When I was writing a book about the Wounded Knee Massacre, where heroism was pretty thin on the ground, I gave that a lot of thought. And I came to believe that heroism is neither being perfect, nor doing something spectacular. In fact, it’s just the opposite: it’s regular, flawed human beings choosing to put others before themselves, even at great cost, even if no one will ever know, even as they realize the walls might be closing in around them.
Today would have been my father's 115th birthday. He was not a hero, never, as far I as know, faced danger, but went to the elementary school in Brooklyn where he was principal every day and showed the children there that they counted, and that he cared about them. He knew all of their names, he taught them the same beloved poems that he'd taught me and my sister, and he made a difference in their lives. I find inspiration in remembering the small, everyday things that he did. Happy birthday, Daddy.
And sometimes our heroes come in the form of a writer who speaks to us and for us, not with mighty roars of patriotism and fearless courage, but with quiet steady words of truth, history, honesty, decency, and logic.
Yes, truly, heroes are the everyday humans among us who choose to speak and act. Thank you, Heather.
The gains made by Dr King and others are under attack right now. We must all work to stop those who would ruin our country. Vote, vote, vote and encourage others to vote to save our liberal democracy.
Thanks so much for that reminder Heather! There are those that put their life on the line every day & they never get as much attention as those who do the cruel & evil thing! May we honor the lasting memory of MLK not only tomorrow but every time we see someone do the honorable thing!
“Only when it's dark enough can we see the stars.” What a beautiful way to think about the working of our world, and our brothers and sisters in it. Thank you, Martin
Thank you for this timely reminder. You are right about heroes around us. I believe that Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and Kamala Harris are among the more modern ones. Even this little old retired teacher in Albuquerque and my colleagues who continue the good fight despite such opposition are heroes of a more modest sort. I will sleep tonight better than in a long while. And get up in the morning ready to live in the present with courage.
A big hero in my life is an obscure history professor at Boston College who writes an almost daily lesson connecting our history to current events that makes sense of it all. I am continually inspired and that’s what I think heroes do most of all.
Can you applaud when a writer has just offered up a gentle reminder that all of us want the same thing, a quiet peacefulness within which to live our lives. But some people have opportunities to make things better, more peaceful and they take it. President Biden is that person for me. He was four years ago and he is now. He didn’t have to run then or again, but he put us first.
Thank you, Heather. You are one of our heroes. We admire your erudition and count on you to inspire us in these unsettled and unsettling times.
Today would have been my father's 115th birthday. He was not a hero, never, as far I as know, faced danger, but went to the elementary school in Brooklyn where he was principal every day and showed the children there that they counted, and that he cared about them. He knew all of their names, he taught them the same beloved poems that he'd taught me and my sister, and he made a difference in their lives. I find inspiration in remembering the small, everyday things that he did. Happy birthday, Daddy.
And sometimes our heroes come in the form of a writer who speaks to us and for us, not with mighty roars of patriotism and fearless courage, but with quiet steady words of truth, history, honesty, decency, and logic.
Yes, truly, heroes are the everyday humans among us who choose to speak and act. Thank you, Heather.
Dear Heather,
Your words, your words tonight, bring tears.
This is your best... this one will move millions.
This one takes Readers to the mountain, to the place where action is needed and will be taken.
Heather, you found the way - for us, for your nightly readers, and this writing leads to prayer.
May you be heard. Every word.
Your voice in God’s Ear, Heather.
May America read your words and your heart.
Thank you, thank you 🙏, at last.
Yours,
Sandy
The gains made by Dr King and others are under attack right now. We must all work to stop those who would ruin our country. Vote, vote, vote and encourage others to vote to save our liberal democracy.
The Perry, Iowa high school principal who faced the shooter to save others died today. Peace for him and his family
After hearing your video interview with Joe 1/12/24, he became my American Hero. 🇺🇸❤️
I also thank you. You and Joyce Vance are my heroes.
Heather…you are one of those unsung heroes too! And you help us ..very effectively…to understand the ‘details’ around all this misery!
Thanks so much for that reminder Heather! There are those that put their life on the line every day & they never get as much attention as those who do the cruel & evil thing! May we honor the lasting memory of MLK not only tomorrow but every time we see someone do the honorable thing!
“Only when it's dark enough can we see the stars.” What a beautiful way to think about the working of our world, and our brothers and sisters in it. Thank you, Martin
Thank you for this timely reminder. You are right about heroes around us. I believe that Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and Kamala Harris are among the more modern ones. Even this little old retired teacher in Albuquerque and my colleagues who continue the good fight despite such opposition are heroes of a more modest sort. I will sleep tonight better than in a long while. And get up in the morning ready to live in the present with courage.
A big hero in my life is an obscure history professor at Boston College who writes an almost daily lesson connecting our history to current events that makes sense of it all. I am continually inspired and that’s what I think heroes do most of all.
I am crying as I read this. Thank you, Heather, for reducing all the noise to the words that matter.
Can you applaud when a writer has just offered up a gentle reminder that all of us want the same thing, a quiet peacefulness within which to live our lives. But some people have opportunities to make things better, more peaceful and they take it. President Biden is that person for me. He was four years ago and he is now. He didn’t have to run then or again, but he put us first.
Bravo, Heather! these are beautiful words and so meaningful right now. Thank you!! (Looking forward to hearing you speak in Camden in February too.)