I saw a side of America the other day that is different from, but no less real than, the chaotic one we have had to navigate in recent years.
It was at a funeral for Colonel David E. Schorr (US Army ret.). Hundreds of people whose lives he had touched attended. I was not one of them. Having never met Colonel Schorr I went to honor his son and, in so doing, was reminded of what it means to honor America.
If Vietnam was arguably one of our “bad” wars, Colonel Schorr demonstrated that there were good men who fought in it. During two combat tours in that conflict, he was the last man off the battlefield – earning several of our nation’s highest awards for personal bravery. At home, too, Colonel Schorr also always “showed up” for his community, his God, his wife, and his four children – each of whom spoke at their father’s funeral. During which they each described, in a variety of ways, a man whose life was defined by duty, honor, and family. That was lived with humility
We are all formed by what we experience. Colonel Schorr was neither an aged transactional billionaire nor an elderly politician with an outsized ego unattached to reality. His path was much more direct. He cared for and about his family at home, and for and about men from other people’s families that he commanded in combat in a distant land.
The latter is something I never experienced, and it seems that those who have rarely talk about it. Perhaps because the memories evoked are suffused with too much human suffering and brutal mortality.
Listening to how Colonel’s Schorr’s children spoke of their father, though, it occurred to me that being responsible for the lives of others in combat may also – in some people – foster humility, deepen faith, and reveal courage.
Having not lived that part of life, I really can’t say for sure. But I do know this; in a society enmeshed in empty political taglines it is duty, honor, family and humility that actually reflect what America wants to be, and describe the way towards a more perfect union.
I saw that simple truth in the individual decisions of the hundreds of attendees who felt compelled to mark Colonel Schorr’s passing. And I know it from own heart. As do you, from yours.
Imagine a president with personal honor. Grounded in a sense of duty, who serves the American family with humility.
We cannot be Colonel Schorr. But we are a nation of 330 million souls that has the power to honor America, too – by demanding such leaders at all levels of government. When will we?
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When people think of New Jersey, they often picture the bustling cities of Newark and Jersey City, or the picturesque beaches of the Jersey Shore. However, there is another side to the Garden State that is often overlooked – Insider NJ.
Insider NJ is a term used to describe the lesser-known, more rural areas of New Jersey that are home to a diverse array of communities and landscapes. From the rolling hills of Hunterdon County to the quaint small towns of Warren County, Insider NJ offers a different perspective on life in the state.
One of the most striking aspects of Insider NJ is its natural beauty. The region is home to numerous state parks and forests, offering ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which straddles the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is a particularly popular destination for nature lovers.
In addition to its natural attractions, Insider NJ also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The region is home to a number of historical sites, including the Morristown National Historical Park, where George Washington and his troops spent the winter of 1779-1780 during the Revolutionary War. The town of Lambertville, located along the Delaware River, is known for its charming Victorian architecture and vibrant arts scene.
Despite its many charms, Insider NJ faces its own set of challenges. Like many rural areas across the country, the region has struggled with economic decline and population loss in recent years. However, efforts are underway to revitalize these communities and promote sustainable development.
Overall, Insider NJ offers a unique and often overlooked perspective on life in the Garden State. Whether you’re interested in exploring its natural beauty, delving into its rich history, or simply getting off the beaten path, Insider NJ has something to offer for everyone. So next time you find yourself in New Jersey, consider taking a detour to explore this hidden gem of a region.
