Heroes

Quick questions. Do you know who this person is? I would be willing to bet that most if not all of the people who read this know that this person is Justin Bieber the famous pop singer who is now known for more than just his music. He is famous and kids look up to him as a hero of sorts. Doubt me, watch the video of him walking out of police custody in Miami to the sound of cheering fans. Why do people think he is a hero? The only reason that I can figure out is that he is famous. I have nothing against this young man as a matter of fact, he is in my prayers that Father will fill his heart and use his God Given musical talents to glorify Him not himself.

 

 

 

What about this guy. Recognize him? Of course most if not all of you again will recognize this man as LeBron James. Don’t think he is looked at as a hero to millions? Go and watch him and his team leave a hotel or enter a stadium as thousands of people cheer for him (walking out of a hotel…). Again, I have nothing against this man and am in awe of his God Given talent on the basketball court. Has he done anything heroic? Maybe he has but he is considered a hero by many for playing a game not any heroic acts that he may have done.

 

Last one. Do you recognize this man? I bet you don’t. His name is Ross McGinnis and he actually is a hero. Had you asked me this question 3 months ago, I would not have recognized him either. His story was not all over the news to my recollection like Mr. Beiber or Mr. James. That is why when I heard it, I wanted to share it with you. Mr. McGinnis posthumously holds the following awards for military HEROISM:  Medal of Honor · Purple Heart · Silver Star · Bronze Star Medal. His story is copied from Wikipedia below. Take a minute and read about Mr. McGinnis.

 

Medal of Honor Citation

President George Bush presents the Medal of Honor to the parents of Ross McGinnis

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an M2 .50-caliber Machine Gunner, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy in Adhamiyah, Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, on December 4, 2006.

That afternoon his platoon was conducting combat control operations in an effort to reduce and control sectarian violence in the area. While Private McGinnis was manning the M2 .50-caliber Machine Gun, a fragmentation grenade thrown by an insurgent fell through the gunner's hatch into the vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled "grenade," allowing all four members of his crew to prepare for the grenade's blast. Then, rather than leaping from the gunner's hatch to safety, Private McGinnis made the courageous decision to protect his crew. In a selfless act of bravery, in which he was mortally wounded, Private McGinnis covered the live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and absorbing most of the explosion.

Private McGinnis' gallant action directly saved four men from certain serious injury or death. Private First Class McGinnis' extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.[3]

 

I am glad I learned about Mr. McGinnis so that I can share the story with my children to let them know what a real hero is. Who are your heroes???