Giving Thanks to America’s True Champions Series: Introduction

Brian Daniel Stankich on Nov 14, 2008

Tags: America, Americans, doctors, educators, firemen, freedom, human rights, military, nurses, pastors, people, policemen, teachers, thanksgiving, Values, war, women

Freedom comes about through risk-taking. Be sure to say “thank you” to firemen, policemen, nurses, doctors, military personnel, educators, and pastors. They make your life more comfortable every day.

Giving Thanks

My mother always taught me to be thankful. Saying ‘thank you’ is second nature to me as an adult. I have learned that being too thankful is impossible. Everyone loves to be appreciated. ‘Thank you-grams’ bring joy.

Introduction

In this series, I will say ‘thank you’ to the men and women of America who serve their country every day. These heroes who put their lives on the line cannot be thanked enough. Firemen, policemen, the military, teachers, medical professionals, pastors and many others keep our lives in order and enable us to be healthy, safe, educated, productive, and generous citizens.

Their motivation is not personal gain but societal benefit.

Photo by: Clayton http://www.flickr.com/photos/americainfocus/2593949520/

America’s True Champions

These servants are the true champions of America, not our sports teams. What are the qualities of a champion? An American champion:

Defends values
Supports relevant human rights
Promotes a stable and functioning society

Our military defends our values by fighting to maintain freedom in our country and around the world. American values persist because men and women in uniform protect and preserve them.

Our police officers support relevant human rights by safeguarding society from those who lack self-control. Rights prevail in America because law enforcement agencies look out for the common good.

Our pastors promote a stable and functioning society through caring for our spiritual and emotional needs. Society is upheld as godly men and women lead us in worship and loving one another.

Risk Takers for Truth and Righteousness

These and other service personnel champion an America whose goal is to enable individual liberty, happiness, and prosperity through maintaining a collective and reasonable harmony. Freedom doesn’t just happen; it is established by taking risks.

Doctors risk a diagnosis, treatment method, and potential personal liability for the health of a patient. Firemen risk their lives to save children who are vulnerable and property that is susceptible. Teachers risk their reputations in order to present students to a nation in need of technological advances, competent workers, and a law abiding populace.

Doing Your Part in Giving Thanks: ‘thank you-grams’

So here’s the deal. Whenever you see a true champion, deliver a ‘thank you-gram’ for their service and the calculated risks that they take every day. Thank your kid’s teachers or your own professors. Tell a soldier in the airport ‘thanks for serving our country.’ Rather than belittling your local police force, respect them by abiding by the law, giving a friendly wave, and providing assistance when necessary.

America needs true champions. America has true champions. Let’s give them a round of applause.

[Note: Look for forthcoming ‘thank you-grams' dedicated to America's true champions.]

**Next article in the series – Giving Thanks to America’s True Champions: Firemen

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Comments (21)

Debra. on Nov 14, 2008
Brian I have been waiting for you to come out with an article and boy have you. This is so true we do need to give thanks more to our worlds true champions. Such sound advice. Thank you, I love your work as always!
MJPatrick on Nov 14, 2008
I say you are right! They are not only champions they are the ‘back bone of a nation’.
B Nelson on Nov 14, 2008
Good link – stop celebrating celebrity and sports stars – start celebrating real people who are doing real things – real champions real stars
Eden Emersen on Nov 14, 2008
What a great reminder that no one can be too thankful! I love the idea for “thank you grams”!
Brian Daniel Stankich on Nov 14, 2008
Thanks for everyone’s early comments and for reading this article immediately. That is so cool and encouraging to me. You are re-inspiring me!

Debra, you are an inspiration. Thanks for taking the time to encourage me in my writing.

And yes, I have singled out Americans in this article, because that is what I know. But lets also applause these service personnel world-wide.

In fact, for those of you from other cultures, think of ways to make your ‘thank you grams’ culturally relevant and specific.

MJ and Eden, thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts!! Yes, I’m thankful!!!

B, there is another whole article there, isn’t there? I initially was going to address some of that, but edited it out because I didn’t want to distract from the thankful perspective. You’ll probably beat me to writing that article!

Have a great weekend guys,
Brian
Jo Bingham on Nov 14, 2008
A wonderful tribute. We are having our children’s church do thank-you grams this sunday for that very purpose )

* (¯`·. ¤ Jo
Brian Daniel Stankich on Nov 14, 2008
Jo, that is so cool. And thanks for reading.
aisaellis on Nov 14, 2008
I totally agree with you. America has been so blessed.
lindalulu on Nov 14, 2008
Oh Brian, you made me cry…my son is in the Navy and leaves for the middle east in a couple months. This was his choice to join and serve his Country to protect us all from harm. He is and always will be MY Champion! All those who serve the people deserve all of our thoughts and thanks. Thank You for giving this article to all of us!
nobert soloria bermosa on Nov 14, 2008
well deserve tribute, salute to all the CHAMPIONS,the real champions
Lauren Axelrod on Nov 14, 2008
This is very well written. I wrote a series similar to this that questioned why these individuals are not appreciated more for what they do everyday. Your message is wonderful and I agree with you 110%. Things need to be changed
Karelee on Nov 15, 2008
Hey Brian: I like that you write from the heart. It’s more than a job and once we appreciate all that they do and stand for than we need to give thanks. You are so right.. there are many heroes that cross our paths every day and THANK YOU for reminding us to acknowledge them. Keep writing…
Karelee
Karen Gross on Nov 15, 2008
My mother also taught me to say ‘thank you’ and she modeled this ‘attitude of gratitude’ until the end. In the hospital, when she was dying, she still said thank you to every nurse, orderly and doctor no matter what sharp thing they were sticking her with. Our kids learn what we teach them through example.
Brian Daniel Stankich on Nov 15, 2008
asiaellis and Nobert, thanks for reading!! Brian
Brian Daniel Stankich on Nov 15, 2008
Lauren, thanks for your encouragement. I will check for your series as I’m interested in what you have already written. Something I would like to do a better job of is researching Triond before I write on a particular topic. At times, we could probably add to a topic, or update it. At other times, an issue may have been addressed already. I’m all about adding value to the Internet and not just writing something for my own reasons.
Ruby Hawk on Nov 15, 2008
We do have so many we should thank every day. It takes so little energy to say ” thank you’ and it can make a big difference to that persons day. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.Take care,Ruby
Liane Schmidt on Nov 15, 2008
Very beautiful article with a great message. It\’s important to always keep things in perspective and really understand who the true heroes in our society are.

Blessings.

Sincerely,

-Liane Schmidt.
Brian Daniel Stankich on Nov 15, 2008
Ruby, your welcome!

Liane, thanks for reading and for the encouragement.

Brian
Gail Nobles on Nov 17, 2008
You do great writing. Keep up the good work.
hfj on Dec 18, 2008
Good article and well said. We often take these people for granted as a society, and they put their lives on the line each day for us. Bravo Brian.
Dianne on Dec 25, 2008
Yo, Brian, you are right on target. This is a wonderful reminder to have a grateful heart. I have a son who has put his life in the line of fire for others many times. He is a hero of great dimensions.