This past weekend included two annual events I enjoy thoroughly.
One of the events includes people I don’t get to see often enough so it is
always good to sit and talk with them because 2 or 3 in particular are some of
my favorite people. They happen to be “celebrities” with names you would
recognize. One of the things we share is
a love for live music and the weekend always includes that via jamming with
friends and drinking plenty of adult beverages. I take many pictures during the
weekend and some video of the experience. Some get posted to social media but
most just stay on my phone so I can look back and recall the good times.
The other event this weekend didn't have names you would
know, nor would you even recognize their picture if I posted them. The “celebrities”
at this event were military or former military. One of them has had so many surgeries
he has lost count. He is blind now and endured other injuries that have changed
his life forever. Then there is the soldier who will probably have his leg
amputated soon who insisted on attending the event and participating.
That event was a 5k combat mud run
started by a retired law enforcement officer and former Army. Every penny
his organization raises stays in our community to help our local wounded
warriors. He and his volunteers devote countless hours, and I am certain, many of
their own dollars to this cause.
For me, the true celebrities haven’t had their face on a TV
or movie screen or their name on a record album. They have had their heart and
soul under a uniform representing our country with honor. No fame and certainly no fortune for them. They should be who we proudly stand beside to get our picture
taken.
The really cool thing….
The 2 or 3 “celebrities” I mentioned at the beginning who I
said were some of my favorite people, those people would agree with me.
