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A Moving Example Of Exceptional Heroism And Patriotism
Monday, November 8th, 2010 at 9:43 am

Sometimes seemingly ordinary people do some very extraordinary things. When they do, they are called heroes.

Heroism is never by design — it is always the result of urgent necessity and is identified by selfless action and exceptional courage to protect and defend others. It is the ultimate reflection of values, principles and ideals that stand far above any one individual.

I read a story this weekend about a group of heroes and patriots that touched me deeply and made me very proud to be an American.

Here’s the story, along with my commentary:

On Saturday November 8, 2010 the residents of the small town of Weston, Missouri (population less than 2000) came together as a community to effectively block an objectionable protest at the funeral of one of their own defenders of freedom — fallen soldier Sergeant First Class C.J. Sadell who died in the line of duty in Afghanistan on October 24.

The failed protest was staged by Fred Phelps, leader of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas and his misguided followers. Here’s a description of this group that I found online:

The Topeka, Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) is a small virulently homophobic, anti-Semitic hate group that regularly stages protests around the country, often several times a week. The group pickets institutions and individuals they think support homosexuality or otherwise subvert what they believe is God’s law.

Sergeant Sadell left behind a wife and two children in defense of his country — his funeral was merely a “convenient” public platform to expand the radical and extremist views of Mr. Phelps and his followers.

My first reaction to Mr. Phelps and his low level band of shameful opportunists was to swiftly compare them to cockroaches.

But after further consideration and reflection, I determined that embarking upon that path was simply unacceptable — it certainly would not sufficiently bestow honor on the heroic, patriotic citizens of Weston and would be grossly demeaning to a vast majority of cockroaches.

So, I want to focus on the heroes and patriots of Weston and here’s what really touched my heart in a way that few things do:

When the citizens of Weston discovered the application to stage the protest, they came together as a cohesive group to protect the dignity and honor of their fallen solider and preserve respect for grieving friends and family.

They effectively denied the protesters access to the funeral in a non-violent way with flags of all sizes, patriotic music and with sheer numbers of citizens — taking up available parking spots and positioning themselves as human shields for the families and friends of Sergeant Sadell:

I stand with my hand over my heart and tears in my eyes as I reflect upon the amazing courage, honor and respect demonstrated by the brave people of Weston, Missouri and to those from outside their community who also joined them to uphold values that are often taken for granted in this modern day and age — and without the need for violence to do what was right and just for their community.

In a time where our own President seems almost ashamed and embarrassed for the great country that he leads…

The people of Weston have demonstrated — not with words, but with innovative action, courage and patriotism — why this country and her people are and will continue to be exceptional.

I cannot remember a time that I wanted to visit a place, not for the entertainment or attractions, but to simply meet and shake the hands of a community of patriotic heroes. But now Weston, Missouri has landed firmly on my map of places to visit.

If you would like to find out more about Weston, Missouri, please visit their website at: http://westonmo.com/visit/main.html.

My personal message to the citizens of Weston:

Please accept my heart felt appreciation for demonstrating courage in the face of adversity and for rising to the occasion with unwavering patriotism and dignity for which every American can be proud.

Respect and honor are very big deals to me, having served my country to protect her values and ideals — and the people of Weston have certainly earned mine.

Thank you Weston for making me proud to be an American.

http://www.spinzapper.com/865/moving...sm-patriotism/

VIDEO http://www.fox4kc.com/videobeta/5e61...rom-Protesters