The United States of America is focused on a heroine and a hero in their midst who died last August: Aretha born on 25 March 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, died on 16 August 2018 in Michigan while John McCain, US Senator for three terms, born on 29 August 1936, died on 25 August 2018.
You can find other details of their deaths, funeral services when you read the American newspaper, New York Times and Washington Post.
Thousands of people trooped to view their bodies, signifying the impact they have made on the lives of the people.
Aretha, a singer, composer is very much revered because her songs spoke of women's empowerment and the need to erase racism. John, meanwhile, is extolled for having been very consistent in his democratic views despite being a Republican Party member. He opposed the oppressive, racist Trump policies and acts from the time that IO sat on the post. He also fought for the rights of war veterans. Other details may be gathered from the above newspapers mentioned.
Let us also build heroes and heroines in our midst, those who sacrifice their lives in service of the people's needs, whether while in the government or outside of it.
Our society needs to award and reward them while they are still alive -- like the Ramon Magsaysay awardees whose lives have been dedicated to serving the marginalized and needing attention in societies.
Let us also broaden our definitions of heroines and heroes beyond the sports field.
To build them, we must encourage freedom of expression and learn to appreciate good works when necessary.
There is nothing like people comforting, nurturing and helping other people, not only those in need but also those who work for them. Nurturers of those in need suffer from burn-out and depression. We must recognize those states of emotional and physical conditions and learn to be sensitive to them.
Not only because God said, "Love your neighbor as yourself," but also because it is the most humane thing to do.
I
McCain Poster by Angela Cevedo
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