ESSENCE OF HEROISM

Death is inevitable. It may happen anytime and anywhere. But the probability of dying young and unexpectedly has its causes, reasons and justifications. One of them is the profession or nature of work of an individual. 

Being in the military profession is one of the normal causes of dying young and most often unexpected, and tragic.

There are numerous shocking accidents involving soldiers, policemen, pilots among others whom we considered heroes. There are many consolations that we can think of to lessen the painful impact but the best justification is they died serving our COUNTRY and PEOPLE. They did not die in vain. They did die without meaning.

The existence of FACEBOOK and other social networking sites are digital means of showing emotions and most convenient way of sending words of condolences and sympathies. 

But for me, honoring our heroes should not only be shown in posting message of condolences to comfort their loved ones, offering prayers, giving flowers, visiting their wake, unity walk, fun run, being there during the burial rites among other activities showing sympathies and honors, but most importantly in imbibing the lessons brought about by the accident to improve our own lives not for selfish gains but most importantly for OTHERS and the NATION as a whole.

The impact of the heroic acts, sacrifices and deaths of individuals we called HEROES should not be wasted. They should not only be heroes, they should serve as EYE OPENERS to awaken everyone to reflect on the message, learn the lessons and bring positive changes in ourselves, in the organization, in the system, and in the communities...affecting a bigger picture...in meaningful transformation, not only to avoid such incident or accident from happening again, but to bring lasting PEACE, FREEDOM and PROGRESS...

The pains, tears, sufferings and other negative effects to the loved ones especially to the young children and the impending longings and unanswered questions from the unborn children caused by tragic deaths should be JUSTIFIED by the real and positive impacts to the lives of others. The fruits of those sacrifices should be lasting and meaningful.