Valor. What does valor mean to you? The dictionary gives us a working definition:
val·or /ˈvalər/ noun 1. great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. “the medals are awarded for acts of valor”
I like the list of synonyms that accompanies the Webster’s definition: bravery, courage, pluck, nerve, daring, fearlessness, boldness, stoutheartedness, heroism, backbone, spirit.
As we approach Veteran’s Day, I imagine many of us can list a military member or several that we consider shows valor, bravery, courage, and backbone. I immediately think of my dad, Myron, and his brother, Herb, who is two years older. In World War II, Uncle Herb enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS MacKenzie Navy destroyer. My dad (at left) would write Herb, and in one letter asked what branch of the military to join. Herb recommended the Merchant Marines. Dad took Herb’s counsel to heart and signed up soon after the Pearl Harbor invasion in December 1941. Dad was a few weeks shy of his 18th birthday, the official age for military service then, but he didn’t care. He was on a mission to serve his country. 
Bigger Battles
I wonder today, if I would be so bold and full of valor to serve my country? I admit, the rancor of our recent political elections leaves me embarrassed to see our country’s infighting. Perhaps we all need a reminder that we have bigger battles than continually blaming and fault-finding with each other. I say enough of modeling the opposite of valor: cowardice, fear, and faintheartedness. America deserves better.
Instead, let’s choose to honor and appreciate our deserving men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms. Our thousands of Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard members who sacrifice and serve so we all can live in safety and independence.
America rises up with her own valor as we value and support our military men and women for their untiring courage, stoutheartedness, spirit—their true valor.
Thank you, U.S. Armed Forces members both past and current. Dad and Uncle Herb would salute you. I do too.
“There is always safety in valor.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Beth, our valor today seems to come in being brave enough to continue standing up for truth, walking in the light of Jesus and representing Him to a hurting world. Some days, I have to dig deep for enough bravery to do that. Love hearing about your dad’s bravery, though. And love his photos. What a handsome man. I see a bit of him in you, but you’re a beauty!!
Nancy, you are so wise to share how we can live out our own valor and bravery. I agree that some days we do dig deeper to stay standing for truth and representing Him well. And thank you for your kinds words about my dad and me. 🙂
I love the photos Beth! We all need to remember that freedom wasn’t free in this great country of ours. In my dining room is an almost life sized portrait of my Great Uncle Rowland Dodge. He died 100 years ago in France during the “Meuse Argonne Offensive” (battle of the trees). I am told by my son that, “It is the bloodiest battle in American history”. “Over 26K died and 95K wounded” and the battle lasted over a month. Rowland died on the front lines 2 weeks before Armistice day. We remember him and both of our fathers who fought in WWII each Veterans Day.
Thank you, Barb. How wonderful to have the historic portrait of Great Uncle Rowland. Wow! He was most definitely an American war hero. I love that you can keep his rich legacy going with your own children and future generations.
Great tribute to honor people serving our country. Nice pics of your Dad and Uncle.
Thank you, Nancy. It’s my honor to direct kudos to our veterans and active-duty military men and women. They truly do deserve year-round appreciation.