FIREBIRD

TRUE HEROES ARE ALIVE

“Life is full of heroism”, I remember this line from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s A Psalm of Life when I memorized it for my freshman speech class in high school. Indeed, in our midst, heroes abound. Among our family, friends, neighbors and even strangers may had, one way or the other, played hero to us. There is no need to argue about what and who is our hero according to personal experience. As we say, “to each its own.”

However, it is troubling to see people pretending to be heroes and brandishing certain so-called-heroic acts senselessly in public. Nowadays, our mass media is plagued by many who put-on the image of heroism. Yet, in truth, what they’re after is the public recognition and worldly acclaim to gain wealth and power to be used for selfish interest. The audacity of those people in politics, showbiz, sports and business has reduced the most noble and heroic acts as tools to manipulate the mind set of the population. How tragic, indeed.

But, there are those who labor without the publicity; those who has nothing personal to gain but to make this world a better place to live in. Yes, true heroes are not dead, they are very much alive. They don’t crave for social status or gain influence for their own sake but rather for the purpose of their heroic deeds.

We don’t need those who seek public office and use public funds to do what they are ought to do. Forget the entertainers, beauty title holders and sports idols who may have gained fame internationally but that’s nothing much to solve the misery, poverty and ignorance of this country. I do salute them for their achievements. However, there’s nothing heroic about them.

It’s about time to open our eyes and hearts to those whose altruistic works inspire and directly touch the lives of people in their respective communities. They may not be popular enough for politicians to pester-on like flies to a pie, yet, they are tireless in helping others. They may lack the resources, yet, they never give-up. They don’t have much influence and power, yet, they give their best of themselves to serve.

Yes, heroes are those who give their very life so that others may live. There may be those who are called to die for noble causes, however, much more are those who live to give meaning to the lives of others. All of them, still alive or has gone ahead, are heroes. Many of them may pass-away unknown but their legacy will live forever in the lives of those they touched.

No amount of fame and fortune is the worth of any hero. Their heroic deeds can not be sufficiently recognized through public ceremonies, official pronouncements or civil and social salutations. Medals, certificates and trophies fade and tarnish. However, the ultimate recognition lies in the changed-lives of those who were affected by their heroism.

The remarkable story of heroes and their heroic deeds are truly inspiring. But they are tough acts to follow. The challenges of our lives may restrict us from accomplishing things that goes beyond what is required of us. The daily grind may prevent us from getting involved in the world beyond our home, career and personal aspirations. But, it is not hopeless for any of us to affect change. With one’s genuine concern, sincerity of purpose and inherent will to be of service in whatever capacity are fertile grounds for heroic inspiration to be born.

May more TRUE heroes be born unto us! “MABUHAY ang mga TUNAY na BAYANI ng bayan!” ( Long-live the true heroes of the nation!)

P.S.

We still have until today to vote for Efren Penaflorida, Jr. as CNN’s HERO OF THE YEAR. Just log-on and vote at http://www.cnn.com/heroes

Show our support. His prize will benefit the education of our street children. Let us help him break the darkness of ignorance by sharing the light of knowlegde. This is to brighten the future of this nation for the sake of our children. Thank you very much!