I watched the Rose Bowl Parade on TV this morning. I love that parade. The floats are amazing, the bands dazzling, the horses spectacular, and the day is always sunny, though this year it was cold for California, in the thirties. Many years ago we drove down with the kids and saw it live, and it was so much fun. Okay, what does this have to do with right speech, correct? Well, I'm about to make it work.
This year's parade honorary Grand Marshal was Louis Zamperini, though he died in July. The guy in Laura Hillebrand's "Unbroken". His family rode in the Grand Marshall's car. The theme for the parade was the inspiration of his life, and thus the parade honored veterans, immigrants, those who've suffered post traumatic stress , athletes, those who persevere through life's struggles and challenges. In a way, it was about the silent, unvoiced millions who make our lives richer and inspire us, but who are ordinary, every day neighbors, friends and family members.
At the very end of the parade, they honored a recent young veteran who has the Purple Heart, by giving him and his wife and son a brand new house. I admit it, I cried. Because we know he's struggled, we know his family has suffered, we know he is one of the invisible ones who have inherent nobility and who suffer for their sacrifices without complaining or making a fuss.
Right speech is honoring the quiet ones, the modest people who go the extra mile because it's the right thing to do. Happy New Year. Speak about your heroes during 20115. Show your gratitude and appreciation.
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