Stopping to Say “Thank You” on Memorial Day

Aimee Herd (May 28, 2012)

“We owe it to the fallen not only to never forget them for their sacrifice, but also to celebrate the freedom that they so [selflessly] and so ultimately defended for our sake.” –Robert J Pape, Jr.

Last week I ran across a blog that succinctly conveyed all that I was hoping to as I thought of putting together an article for Memorial Day.

I realize that the Memorial Day weekend is normally spent enjoying an extra day off from work, and anticipating warmer weather and the start of summer.

But, the day itself—set aside to honor the fallen veterans of this country—has an important purpose. Writing for the Plainview Patch [NY], Robert J. Pape, Jr. begins his blog with the familiar, striking words of President Lincoln:

“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Pape then notes how those words are just as true today as they were back in 1863, when first spoken.

“Far too many of these brave souls made the ultimate sacrifice,” continues Pape. “The cost of our freedom is indeed high. To these honored dead we pause on Memorial Day to reflect on the sacrifice made by them; many not older than their early twenties, who performed extraordinary service with bravery and resolve under circumstances most of us can’t even imagine. Hopefully, we will always keep their sacrifice in our minds eye by not taking our freedom for granted and never abusing the freedom which has been entrusted to us.

“So, as the unofficial start of the summer begins, let us take a break from our work routine and enjoy the company of family and friends at picnics and barbeques and of course the wonderful parade down Main Street. …We owe it to the fallen not only to never forget them for their sacrifice, but also to celebrate the freedom that they so [selflessly] and so ultimately defended for our sake.”

Source: Robert J. Pape, Jr. – Plainview Patch

http://www.billygraham.org/specialsections/Graffiti/graffiti.asp?utm_source=PFONThankYouEmail&utm_medium=Eblast&utm_campaign=PrayForOurNation

Leadership

Tim Tebow is not a religious symbol. He’s a shrine to the power of a strong, committed, passionate two-parent upbringing. Tebow’s performance on the football field is testament to Bob and Pam Tebow and what they instilled in their youngest child.

What should be dawning on us — is that, thanks to a rock-solid, two-parent upbringing, Tebow is quite different from other young QB’s in terms of mental and emotional makeup.

What do I mean?

NFL quarterback is a position best played by young men who were raised by strong fathers. Quarterback is the ultimate leadership position. You have to be taught how to lead. You have to be taught how to prepare.

Other young QB‘s, athletic freaks on par with Tebow, do not have Tebow’s nuclear-family foundation. These young QB’s entered the league emotionally immature and with a set of values inconsistent with the values that lead to consistent, strong QB play.

Tebow is the first super-athletic quarterback who also has the discipline to prepare. That’s a huge advantage. Tebow is winning because he curtails his mental errors. He’s thrown few interceptions and lost two fumbles since taking over as the starter for Denver. Denver’s winning formula is basic and old school. The Broncos stop the run, run the football and win the turnover battle.

You can’t build a revolutionary offense around a quarterback who lacks the discipline or maturity to prepare. As it relates to Tebow’s on-field performance, we should spend more time celebrating his two-parent upbringing.