Many unsung heroes among us

As children growing up, a hero in any story or movie was likely someone with superhuman strength or qualities, or someone who did a very brave act that drew applause or commendation from others in society. I am sure many of us still have this concept of a hero etched in our minds.

However, I have grown to realise that heroes can do courageous acts without necessarily drawing a great deal of attention to themselves. They do not need the praise of others to continue their efforts, and at times their selfless deeds touch many lives. These people are champions in their own right. Their scope of work tends to be smaller and more personalised, and the "bright lights of the media" are usually missing.

A few years ago, a local bank went beyond the call of duty by honouring ordinary citizens in the region's communities, via its Unsung Heroes programme. Those persons who were recognised did not necessarily accomplish heroic feats by society's standards, but they would have given selflessly and in many cases, would have devoted their time, money and energy to causes greater than themselves.

I am not sure what has come of this initiative, but indeed it was a good one and worthy of note.

Now today being National Heroes Day in Barbados, a public holiday, I want to salute all of our National Heroes for the brave acts in which they engaged to advance Barbados and its people.

I do not in any way want to take away from or minimise the contribution of these important men and lone woman - The Right Excellent Bussa; The Right Excellent Samuel Jackman Prescod; The Right Excellent Charles Duncan O’Neal; The Right Excellent Sir Grantley Herbert Adams; The Right Excellent Clement Osbourne Payne; The Right Excellent Sir Hugh Worrell Springer; The Right Excellent Sir Frank Leslie Walcott; The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow; The Right Excellent Sir Garfield St. Auburn Sobers; and The Right Excellent Sarah Ann Gill.

While, as the saying goes, we must give Jack his jacket, I do however wish today to recognise those unsung heroes among us, and they are quite a few: the single mother who raises her children single-handedly, who does an excellent job at keeping them on track so they can make a valid contribution to society later in life; the neighbour who looks after the elderly individual who has no one to turn to and who ensures that that senior citizen is fed and cared for without broadcasting it; the teacher who pays specific attention to children who are less fortunate and who others may overlook because of their background or living conditions; the pastor who gives of his time to visit shut-ins and who gives of his own earnings to ensure others have enough to send to school their children or feed the household, without ever making a cry about it; the father who cares for not only his children, but takes time to ensure that other boys in the community have a listening ear and know who to turn to when they need advice on a matter. Really and truly the list could go on and on, but I am sure you get the picture.

So today, let me say to our National Heroes and our many unsung heroes, I salute you!