Real heroes
It’s barely a day after National Heroes’ Day which the country just celebrated. Many opted to enjoy the holiday with a vacation with the family and friends, they said it’s a long weekend anyway. For some, especially those working in the local government units, they were obliged to join the festivities. It was more of a time to remember than to celebrate.
In Cebu City, the government gave tribute to two honorees - one being a 10-year-old boy who champions in the Rubik’s cube and the other the team of the Philippine Accessibility Disability Services, Inc., the Adaptive Dragon Boat race winner. Both have different stories that captured the hearts of many. They proved to the nation that despite young age or disability, they can still bring pride and honor by grabbing the most coveted gold medals and trophies in their respective competitions.
Then there are the national heroes we have come to know in our formative years of education. Names like Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini and the like have been on repeat in our social sciences subjects. On National Heroes’ Day, flowers have been offered and their lives have been looked upon in the hope of inspiring others to do the same for the country.
Yet there are also those unnamed heroes of today and they are found in each of us. For some these are their parents who have brought them into the world, others say it’s their teachers, the economists say it’s the overseas workers who bring money into the country’s economy. I’d like to say we are all potential heroes, well-equipped with skills that can change the community and the country. PADS Dragon boat team captain Arnold Balais said that heroes today do not need a cape, a mask, or super powers. They are simply human beings who go the extra mile for others so the community, if not the whole country, may flourish.
It is very cliché to talk about heroism in this day in time. For the ordinary millennial, it seems like there is no hope anymore. But for those who believe that there is a better tomorrow, we can all go the extra mile. How? Be a friend, extend a hand, and help out. Who knows? The little things that we do may have a big effect on the future. Our names may be not seen on postcards and notes of currency, but the effect is nothing but fulfilling.
I only hope that the new generation will see the value in helping out. The spirit of volunteerism seems to be on the decline today. With the little inspiration siphoned from the lives of those who are on a pedestal today, we aren’t far in becoming a country that will have a number of heroes. It all seems very simple but very hard to do if we don’t try. Being a modern-day hero takes enough courage and strength. There’s no harm trying to be one though, we can all take that one single step.