Nation Mourns as National Hero Falls

What makes a hero? Is there a job description for such a thing? Can one claim their past our current occupation as "hero"? A hero is one of the intangible mysteries which no one has put an adequate definition too. I would argue that the term "hero" is thrown around to flippantly in today's culture. One day we hear the story of a man rescuing four kittens from a drainage pipe and they are a hero but the next we are faced with the heart breaking story of person laying down their life for the well being of others. Who is the true hero? Who is more "heroey"?

My definition of hero would be one that always puts others first, never complains about the trying task ahead, always puts one hundred percent into their efforts, and of course is willing to lay their life down for another. Being a hero may mean more than these things but it certainly does not mean less. And if these characteristics are good enough to define a hero than a hero died last week... my 1992 Jeep Cherokee Limited.

Some say the best death is one in the field of duty and the Jeep had just that. It was like any other day of difficult roads to maneuver and pot holes to dodge when all of the sudden the life left the Jeep. It was unexpected to say the least for no one thought the Jeep could die. It's nick name was even "Leviathan", after the mythical creature that only the God of the Bible could kill. (Psalm 74:14) But it would seem that God looked down on the Jeep with proud eyes and knew that it was time that it leave this world. So with a soft hand the life was taken out of the body of the Jeep and taken to Jeep heaven, where millions of Jeeps live and they drive on rugged terrain all day without fear of being hurt. And of course all the faithful Jeep owners are there to see their Jeep and change its oil just like old times. It is in this place which I believe my Jeep resides today.

While there may be no funeral procession or twenty one gun salute to honor you, you will be remembered for your service Jeep. You will be remembered for the way you served me for six trying years and pressed on to pass the two hundred thousand mile mark. Any fine young lady car would say you aged well despite your off-road lifestyle. But that is probably because you had the engine of a lion. I for one know your engine beats on in the hearts of many and you will not be forgotten. Rest in peace noble companion and may your spirit be with us.