Heroes Night is my baby right now and I've worked my tail off to get this event to become a reality. From flag stickers on football helmets to flag sequined dance team tops, a cool larger than life flag painted on the middle of the football field, a couple of surprises I have up my sleeve and I think it will be a pretty cool event. And my sole intention is to recognize those who put their lives on the line, are ready at a moments notice every singe day of the year to serve and protect all of us. From our military, law enforcement, emergency, paramedics and fire department members these people give selflessly. My whole purpose is to come together as a community to recognize and say "Thank You" for all you do, everyday.
I am guarded about tomorrow night as word seems to be spreading. There seems to be a lot of people who know and are excited about this. I had a stranger, who knew me but I didn't know him tell me yesterday when I was out exercising that he'd heard me on the radio. Whaaaa? This stranger was exciting about the event and told me what a good thing it was. Then it hit me, maybe this wasn't just a little thing we are doing at a football game. Maybe people genuinely are appreciative and excited to recognize these Heroes! How cool is that?!
There have been a couple of obstacles, or as I like to call them fun haters, who have rained on my parade. It comes with the territory. And it ranges from a department head chewing me out for the date I selected for the event (hint-we only have 4 homes games....the other team's colors are BLUE and our team colors are RED and WHITE...yes, it is was a deciding factor! And I'm sorry I didn't consult with your personal calendar to see what would work for you-yes essentially that is what his reasoning was.) to how the huge flag will be displayed for the National Anthem...all our heroes are invited to come down on the field to help hold the flag. Apparently, according to flag protocol, you are not supposed to display the flag laying flat (Not laying on the field or ground, which we are not, you are not supposed to hold it flat.) but the US flag is only supposed to be hanging....sorry man but when the military unit is doing this who am I to correct them? Please make sure you call the NFL, MLB and any other highly televised event who has a huge flag as part of their National Anthem to make sure they are holding correctly as well. I've had a "group" want to make it all about one military dad, a whole stadium picture and such. NOPE, not going to happen I'm not jumping on this bandwagon nor are you going to jump on ours...we are recognizing ALL Heroes not just one. It's not the Joe So-and-so night, it's HEROES NIGHT. Yes, this is the mentality of the people out there right now. It's all about MEEEEE. Not Friday night. NO WAY.
Then I've had generous offers from people to help, or lead which have been wonderful! They have added extras I would not of had time for or thought of. An offer for a cool National Anthem salute that I hope will pan out. A group of sports boosters who are generously donating food for our heroes. Radio and newspaper people who have no only just shared my press release but called with questions, wanting interviews and photos. A dance team who has worked hard to put together a patriot halftime performance that their crazy coach has put together. A football coach and activities director who have let me run amuck and helped promote this as well. A paint crew and their leader who I shared a photo and a vision with back in June...now it is a reality! And the list goes on...
How cool is that!!
So regardless of how things go Friday night. What does or does not happen, I know it is what it is and the intention which was the foundation of this effort will be recognized I hope by those individuals we are honoring. I want them to know how appreciated they are for all they do for all of us!
Shake the hand, thank or hug a hero if you get the chance. We need them!
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