Where are the heroes?

As a country, the United States has a long history of heroes. We learned as children that patriots were heroes to be revered and looked up to. These were men whose deeds were larger than life, and we honored them and spoke of them with reverence. Are we beyond needing someone from our own ranks to admire?

Perhaps the problem stems from the all-volunteer military service the U.S. adopted. It is no longer necessary to serve one's country, and the pride of ownership belongs to a precious few who still believe that service to one's country is honorable and necessary. The last heroes we are willing to recognize are those who served under the Selective Service system, making service mandatory.

Perhaps our society has lost its pride in being an American citizen. Our politicians embarrass us on the world stage. We owe trillions of dollars to a communist country that we condemn for the human rights policies it adheres to. We allow a radical segment of a major religion to terrorize us in our own country. Our Congress and president ignore our immigration laws so they can garner some imagined additional political power. And our military leaders are not allowed to win conflicts our politicians engage us in.

Is it any wonder we tuck our collective tails between our legs and sulk away like a dog who has been scolded for bad behavior?

There is a reason to consider our patriotism as we move toward Election Day. And perhaps the citizens of this great nation will wake up and sound the alarm, "Call to arms, our birthright is being squandered." It may not be too late to turn this country around. But to accomplish this, some things must change.

We need heroes; military, political, grassroots and any other kind we can find who will ignite the fire in our souls and bring back the love of country we seem to have lost. We need to stop fighting among ourselves and concentrate on the common good that will lead us to a more sound financial footing. We need leaders who are not afraid to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, and not do the things which are politically motivated in an effort to get votes. We need the spirit of America to return. We need modern-day heroes to follow and admire. We need to rethink the meaning of patriotism and what true patriots actually are. We need to unite and wrap ourselves in our flag as this country did during World War II. We need to restore the pride in being an American and once again show the world what a people united can accomplish.

Where are those heroes?

Rodger O. Brown is the commander of U.S.A. Veterans in Cape Girardeau.