Monday, May 5, 2014

TOMMIE SAYLOR: Seeing an American hero up-close and personal


“You don’t know the kind of shoes life will give you, fill them the best you can and walk in the right direction.”
SFC Kevin Robbins

By Tommie Saylor
Kennedy High School Principal

Friday night at the military ball I witnessed an amazing American patriot receive his sabre.  For those of us who have served in the United States Army, U.S. Cavalry, we truly understand the significance of receiving such an honor.  To a cavalryman, such trinkets as the Stetson Hat, the Siler Spurs and perhaps the most revered of all, the Sabre, are symbols of honor more precious to a cavalrymen than most of the medals that are pinned to his chest.  Though the cost for purchasing such baubles is not astronomical, no self-respecting cavalryman would even consider buying them. They must be earned not acquired.  In fact, for the cavalryman who openly wears such symbols of honor, if challenged must be able to expertly explain how they were earned and who presented him with this honor or face having them forcibly removed.

So, being able to witness a decorated American hero, a true patriot to the American cause, a defender of the Constitution receive this well-deserved honor was more than just inspirational, it was spiritual.

To all those who serve, to all those who have served, I salute you.  It is hard to explain to the youth of today who seem to have an overly inflated sense of entitlement and self-importance just how privileged they are, and that these privileges were paid for in the blood of those who served.  I hope that someday their “teenaged fog” fades and their eyes open to the truth that surrounds them, screams at them daily, that freedom isn’t free.

Remember, their future is in our hands. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence by design.

No comments:

Post a Comment