Every day we hear bad news about bad people who do bad things.  Amidst all of this we seem to forget the real heroes…those good people who do good things.  You will find them in every day situations.  They stand for honesty and integrity.  Faith and courage enable them to do the right thing.  Life isn’t always fair but today’s heroes have strength of character and they do the right thing anyway.

            America has many heroes.  You will find them striving to do right and live by the Golden Rule.  These heroes go to work every day believing in honesty, truth and honor.

            You will find these people helping others.  You will see them at the voting polls.  You will see them volunteering for community service.  Unselfish people go the extra mile.  That fireman, policeman, ambulance attendant, and many others put his or her own life at risk.  You will find these unselfish people in the armed services in defense of a country they believe in…a country many have died for, to preserve a nation founded on freedom.  These brave men and women take a stand for accountability, responsibility and honesty.  These people are the real patriots.

            The American dream has been fulfilled by so many who were willing to work hard, the “Good Book” being their compass.  They are guided by a conscience that sets aside personal desires for themselves in order to pursue the good of the nation as a whole.

            Yes, dear friends, you are my heroes.  You work, plan and dream.  You strive to do right for God and country.  You are decent, hard-working individuals who love America and what it stands for.  You are every day unpretentious Americans who salute the flag, pay your taxes, go to church and help your neighbor.

            You are the backbone of this nation that keeps this country together.  Please don’t ever give up because your right living is not in vain.  May we all keep striving to leave a country for our children and grandchildren who will be worthy of the lives of the many who have died to protect it.

            Hebrews 12:12-13 encourages us to not give up,  “So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong.” (TLB)

            Keep on!  Take a stand for what is right, good and honorable!  Never give up, because in the end we win.  Keep working to keep America great.  Refuse to compromise the truth.  I commend you for sacrificing your time and money because you believe in America.  This path of freedom has been paved with pain and many hardships but you persevere.  You have watched your ancestors come through wars, economic failures, epidemics and natural disasters. Yet they survived because they believed this nation is the greatest country in the world.  Something about our beloved country makes even our enemies want to live here.  There is something about America that offers hope, opportunity and a future.  I believe this concept distinguishes our country from any other because we were founded on biblical principles.  Heathen and pagan nations discard this secret of success.  Selfish dictators and wicked rulers betray their countries, resulting in severe deprivation for its citizenry.

            So here’s to you my heroes.  You carry the torch of freedom.  You are the red-blooded Americans who still believe in the same godly principles displayed by your forefathers.  Those dedicated Americans who founded this country would be proud.  You are the real heroes who continue to sacrifice by reaching out to others.

            I salute you today.  Your diligence is not in vain!  You will turn this country around.

            You dear friends, are the real heroes.