American Heroes Run- September 8th, 2012

In 1776 a bunch of farmers and poorly armed militia took on the largest military force on the planet. They were lead by men who had every reason to keep the status quo- wealth, power and societal accolade. But the desire for freedom, the hunger for the pursuit of happiness and the promise of self government moved these mean to risk all they had including their very lives to fight.

As the largest underdog the world has ever seen- we won and fought for that freedom and that future. Today that spirit flows through the veins of every American- whether your history started on these shores or your spirit carried you here from elsewhere- we are all here because we believe in the underdog and we are willing to fight for a better day.

This weekend I saw this American spirit in full affect. Sure it was only a run around Rogers Grove Park- but it was something more than that. I saw courage and conviction that went beyond what you would expect on a typical weekend. I saw people dig deep into their souls. I saw people find mental and physical strength they didn't know they had- and I saw people fighting and moving forward to finish and to honor their families, their country and their own hearts.

I thought of all soldiers, policemen and firefighters who have in the past sacrificed all to protect our us and our nation. And I thought of those men who are now in the breach willing to do the same.
I would submit that even though on the surface this was just a "run around the park" these men, past and present, would be proud and honored by the guts and spirit of the effort in Longmont yesterday.

On 9/11 in the face of the worst attack on America in it values we did not crumble- in fact we grew strong - we stood tall and showed the world the very best of what it mean to be American. We are all heroes. We are all one. We are all strong.

David Clark.