Fortitude Fridays #62

read time: 5 mins

A few ideas as you head into the holiday weekend.

Snapshot of Today:

• Quote: Hero Calling.
• Question: Sacrifice.
• Book: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.
• Interesting: Understanding Memorial Day

 

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Quote To Ponder:

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

-Joseph Campbell (author)

Heroes are the ones who commit themselves to causes beyond personal comfort or ambition.

They epitomize resilience, kindness, and courage in the face of adversity, proving that greatness resides within the ordinary.

Awaken the hero within yourself.

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Question to Ask Yourself:

What does the concept of sacrifice mean to me, and how can I honor the sacrifices made by others in my daily life?

Consider the sacrifices—both big and small—that have been made for your benefit, whether by family, friends, or even strangers.

Acknowledge and reflect on how these acts have shaped your life and opportunities.

To honor these sacrifices, live with intention and purpose, making choices that reflect deep respect and gratitude. By doing so, we create a ripple effect of positivity and gratitude.

 

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Book To Check Out:

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

By Laura Hillenbrand

"Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand has been a NY Times Bestseller since 2010, but I only recently read it.

Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete and World War II bombardier, is the hero you never knew about. His journey includes surviving a plane crash in the Pacific Ocean, enduring over a month adrift at sea while facing starvation, sharks, and the elements, and being captured by the Japanese, where he faced brutal treatment as a prisoner of war. Yet, his resilience and determination to survive remained unshakable.

One of my favorite quotes from Zamperini:

This mindset helped him survive incredible hardships and guided his perseverance and determination. It highlights Zamperini's belief in the importance of personal growth and positive change, even in the most challenging circumstances.

I found his story gripping, heart-wrenching, haunting, and unsettling, yet ultimately uplifting. As I followed Zamperini's journey, I felt a deep ache of pain and pride for him. I chuckled and winced at the wry humor he and his companions used to keep hope and dignity alive. I found myself rooting for him every step of the way.

 

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Paying Tribute to Our Fallen Heroes This Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War, a time when communities began honoring the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. Officially established as a federal holiday in 1971, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the U.S. military who have died in service to our country.

While gathering with family and friends this weekend, consider paying tribute to the fallen soldiers in a way that is respectful to their memory.

Here are a few ideas for you:

Visit Cemeteries and Memorials: Take time to visit local cemeteries and memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers. Reflect on the sacrifices made and leave flowers or flags as a symbol of remembrance.

Attend Memorial Services: Attend or participate in Memorial Day ceremonies or services in your community. These events often include moments of silence, speeches, and the reading of names to honor and remember the fallen.

Display the American Flag: Fly the American flag at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raise it to full-staff for the remainder of the day. You can show your respect by displaying the flag prominently in your yard or on your property.

Moment of Silence: Take a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time to honor and remember the fallen. Use this time for personal reflection, prayer, or meditation.

Support the Families of the Fallen: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations dedicated to assisting the families of fallen soldiers. By contributing to these causes, you help provide essential resources, aid, and support to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Share Their Stories: Through conversation, social media, or written tributes, share stories and memories of fallen heroes with others. Help keep their memory alive and ensure their bravery and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Engage in Acts of Service: Dedicate your time and effort to a cause that aligns with their values or supports the well-being of veterans and their families. There are national and local organizations dedicated to helping veterans, such as the American Legion and the Wounded Warrior Project. Check with your county to see what is available to you.

Participate in a Tribute HERO Workout: MURPH is a HERO workout that is a popular and challenging workout completed by thousands annually on Memorial Day all over the globe. This workout was named after Lieutenant Michael Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. The workout, consisting of a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and finally another 1-mile run while wearing a weighted vest or body armor, is done to honor his memory and the sacrifices of all fallen military heroes. You can read about Lt. Michael Murphy and the challenge here.

Bringing It Home:

As we commemorate Memorial Day, let us remember that this holiday is more than just a long weekend or a time for barbecues. It's a day to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Reflect on their sacrifices, and let their legacy inspire you to live with gratitude and purpose. Whether through small acts of kindness, moments of silence, or sharing their stories, we can all contribute to preserving their memory and supporting those who continue to serve. Let us ensure that the courage and dedication of our fallen heroes continue to inspire and guide us, not just on Memorial Day, but every day.

​To learn a little more about how red poppies became the symbol of remembrance, here is the poem that started it all.

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Thanks for reading this special edition and I hope you have an epic weekend!

You got this,