Patriotism in Action

There are those who mouth the customary words, some who disparage the troops while claiming to support them, some who hate our military and make no bones about it, and then there are those who make a difference in the lives of those who pay so dearly for our peace and safety.  Denzel Washington first decided to make a difference by showing up to this recovery center and letting some men and women who've sacrificed greatly that he thinks enough of them to want to meet them in person.  Second, when he saw a need, without hesitation he took action to help correct that need.  Both are examples of what each one of us need to be doing for our troops, both overseas, and at home.  They deserve nothing less and, I believe, a whole lot more.  Look into what's going on in your neck of the woods with regards to ministering to our brave troops.  If there is nothing local, make something local.  Some of the biggest charities for our troops were started because some soldier's mom or sister wanted to send stuff they miss, stuff they need, stuff that just smells like home.  If neither of these is an option, find someone else's program and help them do what they know to do.  A single person can make a big difference in one soldier's life.  A few people can change the way a lot of soldiers feel about their work.  A lot of people can make them all proud of their accomplishments and sacrifices.

The man wasn't looking for self promotion.  He certainly doesn't need it.  He was there to bless the troops, and he did.  They want to make known what he did.  They want to honor him for his efforts to honor them.  He could have made a big deal out of it.  With a single phone call, the media would have been all over the story.  That's not why he was there, and that's what made the visit, and his actions feel so sincere.