by Jerry Agar

They are the ones who turn toward danger.

Any species lacking a proper survival instinct will not survive.  Very often the proper and genetically programmed response to danger is to turn and run.

Animals must choose between fight or flight.  Because we are a higher species in terms of mental ability, when flight is not the best option we try to ward off the fight through negotiation.  It has mixed results and depends very much on the opposition's intent as well as ours.

Today we honor those who step in front of us when all other options are exhausted.  When shots ring out they run forward.  Towards the danger!  I cannot understand it in any other way than to feel that those are people who love something bigger than themselves. 

They tend, on average, to love God.

They love their family and yours and mine, and the institution of family.

They love America.

I am humbled today to think that they love me, even though they don't know me personally.

The world presents constant danger to America.  And every day, otherwise ordinary Americans do the extraordinary thing of turning toward that danger.

As we honor them, it is a great day to quietly ask ourselves what we are doing to deserve their sacrifice.  Are we working to keep America a nation worth fighting for? 

Am I worth fighting for?