DISCOVERING HEROES

 

            Before we attempt to discover heroes, we must define what a hero is. Various dictionaries describe a hero as “ a man who is admired for his brave or noble deeds. A person of courage and accomplishment. A man admired for his achievements and qualities.” Perhaps, as pertaining to the martial arts, Webster’s new collegiate dictionary describes the meaning best, “an “illustrious Warrior” digging deeper, The word “illustrious” is described in this same dictionary as “notably or brilliantly outstanding because of dignity or achievement or actions” So, the martial arts hero, or heroine can best be characterized as a noble warrior, who shines brilliantly, is outstanding above the average person, has honor and dignity, achieves much, and is a person of action.” This phrase alone should separate the dedicated martial artists from the movie or rock star, who gain recognition, but who contribute very little to other’s personal improvement.

 

            Hero’s are often the people we least expect, without thinking, they may risk their own lives to save others. Since the martial arts means” The military way.”  I am going to relate two stories to you that will surprise and amaze you.

 

            Story Number One:

 

                        Quite a few of us grew up with Captain Kangaroo, as you or your children probably did. I knew nothing of his background, only that his show was both entertaining, educational, and as kids, we looked forward to it with great anticipation.

 

                        Captain Kangaroo turned 76 recently, which is odd, because he’s never looked a day under 76. (DOB: 6/27/27) It reminded me of the following story. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

 

                        Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4 star generals at Arlington National Cemetery. His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC). Nothing else. Here’s a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time, why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well, following is the amazing answer: I always liked Lee Marvin, but did not know the extent of his Corps experience. In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces, often in rear-echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero.

 

                        He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima. There is only one higher naval award…  the Medal of Honor. If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery.

 

                        Dialog from The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson: His guest was Lee Marvin. Johnny said “Lee I’ll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima… and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded.”  “Yeah, yeah… I got shot square in the butt and they gave me the cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi… bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting’ shot hauling you down. But Johnny, at Iwo I served under the bravest man I ever knew… We both got the Cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison. The dumb fool actually stood up on Red Beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter, and said, Where’d they get you Lee?’ “Well Bob…if you make it home before me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!” “Johnny, I’m not lying … Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew… Bob Keeshan…You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo.”

 

STORY NUMBER TWO:

 

                        On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long sleeve sweater to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. A master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat. He hid that away and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm. America’s real heroes don’t flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best. They earned our respect and the freedom that we all enjoy.

 

                        Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes’ in your midst. Often they are the ones you’d least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened.

 

                        Just a side note, Mr. Rogers was also an ordained Presbyterian minister. Mr. Rogers would say to the little children watching his TV program, “you made this day a special day, just because you were here and you are you. I like you just the way you are.”

 

                        In searching for hero’s, we must let our students know who the real hero’s are, what they do, and what they are made of.  By teaching Martial Arts science, healthy living, eliminating old legends and myths, by producing young leaders, operating an honest dojo, motivating and taking interest in others, and by putting forth dynamic energy and fun in your classes. You may suddenly be surprised that the best hero your students and your community have is you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friendship that lasts a lifetime

Is one that will give and take.

It’s built on truth and honesty

And offers a firm handshake.

 

A friend will stand beside you

When others turn away.

If distance separates for a season

In your heart they’ll forever stay.

 

When burdens are heavy to carry,

A friend will stretch out a hand

Obstacles that you couldn’t overcome

With a friend’s help you often can.

 

Friendship that lasts a lifetime

Can keep secrets that were told.

For it’s about loyalty and kindness

And shines forth as pure as gold.

 

Friendship that lasts a lifetime

Is built on love and trust and care.

It’s a bridge that’s easy to cross over

If made for both to share.

 

Poem By:

Linda Grazulis.