Tag: Memorial Day

This weekend, we honor the fallen by commemorating Memorial Day. It is one of the most important American holidays. Many know someone who paid the ultimate price to keep us free. If you served in the military over the past few decades, you are likely aware of an empty chair at a family table somewhere this weekend. With that thought in mind, I am honoring an American hero I knew who sacrificed his life several years ago. Every Memorial Day, I remember Humayun Khan and pray that he will forever rest in peace.

An American hero and his family face controversy

A few years ago, there was a lot of talk about Captain Humayun Khan, an American hero. His father’s comments at the 2016 Democratic National Convention created a tidal wave of media coverage. People took sides. The press stirred the pot. Instead of his death bringing Americans together, it divided us even more. I was concerned that the most important part of the story was getting lost in all the noise. So, I will share the details of Captain Khan’s heroic actions.

I knew Humayun Khan when he was a student

He was enrolled in the University of Virginia Army ROTC program while I was an instructor there from 1999 to 2001. I remember Humayun as a fine young man. He was pretty serious, focused on success, and responsive to training. He performed well as an ROTC cadet. To be frank – he did not stand out from his peers. He fit in and showed great leadership potential like all his classmates did when they graduated from UVA and received their commissions. I did not think much about him until years later, when I learned that he was killed in action while serving in Iraq. Like everyone who knew him, I took the news hard. I could only imagine what his family was going through. I can think of no greater challenge in life than losing a child. It must be devastating. My sympathies to the Khan family.

Captain Khan was a brave American hero when it mattered most

It is worth discussing Captain Khan’s heroic actions when he made the ultimate sacrifice. Here is a brief description:

On June 8, 2004, Khan was inspecting a guard post when a suspicious taxicab began approaching too quickly. Ordering his subordinates away from the vehicle, Khan ran forward 10–15 steps and was killed by a suicide car bomb fitted with an improvised explosive device. The car detonated before it could reach the gates or the nearby mess hall where hundreds of soldiers were eating breakfast. Khan was also posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Several years ago, I participated in Veteran’s Day activities at a local elementary school. At that event, I shared the story of Captain Khan with the students. I explained the circumstances of his death and described three reasons why I believe he is a true American hero. It seems appropriate to share them this Memorial Day.

Captain Khan’s actions demonstrate three hero-like qualities

1. Captain Khan put others first. He ordered his troops to take cover to be safe while he assessed the situation. He thought about them before he thought about himself.
2. Captain Khan possessed the courage to face danger head-on. He did not shy away from it. It is not natural for us to put ourselves in harm’s way. In this case, he saved the lives of many by sacrificing his own.
3. Captain Khan built a legacy for others to emulate. His story of courage, bravery, and sacrifice should inspire us to greatness. I want to be better when I think of Khan and his sacrifice. I hope it does the same for you.

A real American Hero

I do not expect many of us ever to face a similar situation—Lord knows that I hope none of us ever do—but it is reassuring to know that we have heroes like Khan. Heroes do exist. They don’t wear capes, fly an invisible jet, or come from another planet. Rather, they are everyday people—like you and me. The difference is that they do extraordinary things when called into action.

In a twist of fate, my family used to live in the same house that the Khans owned when their son died. After we moved in, I met his family, and we exchanged letters multiple times. I will share that part of the story at another time. This blog post is about honoring a hero, Captain Humayun Khan, so I will end here.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13

All the Way Leadership!

This Memorial Day is much different than previous ones. First – the world is dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. This pandemic is causing chaos around the globe with no clear end in sight. More importantly, my father passed away this month. He was a mighty warrior many years ago. Today is the first Memorial Day without him. I now know what it is like to be missing someone special on Memorial Day. Today, we have an empty chair at our family table, like millions of other Americans on this holiday. That thought alone makes me sad and takes me back to a special visit I made to a distant battlefield that took the lives of so many great Americans. Normandy.

Memorial Day is for the fallen

I stood at the edge of the cliff and looked down. Wow. How in the world did anyone climb these cliffs? They are so steep – straight down. Add the fact that the US Army Rangers were being shot at while scaling Pointe du Hoc and suddenly you understand how remarkable those men were. Forget superheroes – Rudders Rangers were the real deal. America’s finest men. The kind we should honor on Memorial Day.

Visiting the Normandy D-Day beaches is eye-opening

I have been to the Normandy D-Day beaches twice. The first time I was stationed in Germany back in the 1990s. The second time was a few years ago while vacationing in France. Both visits were remarkable. The area is beautiful, the local people are friendly, and the food is excellent. But, the best thing about this remote region of France is its history. The WWII sites are all well done. The US cemeteries are immaculate and tell the story of what happened here over 75 years ago. It is a story we should never forget.

History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. When push comes to shove, the ultimate protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women in our armed forces. Throughout our history, they’ve answered the call in bravery and sacrifice.

Tim Pawlenty, American Politician

Today is Memorial Day

It is an important American holiday, and I want to make sure I honor the fallen properly. This holiday has become confusing for some Americans. Nowadays, many treat Memorial the same as Veteran’s Day. They are two distinct holidays with different purposes. Memorial Day is the day we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our great country. Veteran’s Day, on the other hand, is the day we honor those who have served in our military. Below is three ways I honor the fallen.

1. Remember their heroic deeds

All Americans should pause this weekend and think about those who died for our freedom. There are several ways to do this – read a book about military history, visit a military monument, or watch a military history movie. Over the years I have done all three of these activities many times. My favorite book about military history is Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides. The movie about this unbelievable US Army Ranger raid is also great. My favorite military monument is at the top of Pointe Du Hoc where the US Army Rangers scaled the cliffs on D-Day. My favorite military history movie is a tie between The Longest Day or A Bridge Too Far. Both are based on books written by Cornelius Ryan.

2. Witness where they fell

I like to visit the battlefields. The best way to get a sense of what our fallen experienced is to witness where they fought. Walk the battlefield, learn their stories, and ponder what happened. My sons and I have visited a few of the most historic battlefields and cemeteries in the world. We saw firsthand what our troops faced on D-Day, visited several museums, and paid our respects at the cemetery. It is easy to forget the sacrifice that so many made that day.

3. Honor their sacrifice

This one can be challenging, so I will be plain. In my opinion, the best way to honor the sacrifice of the fallen is to live a life worth living. Make the most of what you have been given. As Americans, we have more opportunities than most people in this world. Our freedom was paid for by others. Don’t squander their sacrifice. Get out there and make something of yourself. That is what I am trying to do. I hope you do likewise.

Remember to “earn this”

In the movie Saving Private Ryan (another great war movie), there is a powerful scene at the end. Tom Hank’s character Captain John Miller is severely wounded. He tells Private Ryan played by Matt Damon to “earn this”, and then he dies. The message is the same as what I am saying here. In the next scene, Private Ryan is in the cemetery at Normandy, and remembers those words, and thinks about his life. On Memorial Day I do the same thing. I think about the fallen – the sacrifice they made so that I am free. Next, I think about my life and if I am making the most with what I have been given. Some days I am, but most days I am not.

What about you? How are you spending Memorial Day?

How are you honoring the fallen this year? Have you seen the final scene in Saving Private Ryan? If not, watch the clip below. I actually cry every time I watch it. It makes me feel thankful for the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price – which is what Memorial Day is all about. RLTW!

ATW! is designed to make you a better leader

I hope you join me on this journey to raise up the next generation of leaders. The world is in desperate need of more great leaders. Women and men who lead with confidence, clarity, and creativity. It’s time to become the leader that your world needs. Let’s go All The Way!

All The Way Leadership!