Hero

by Martin Luther King, Jr

by Jim Valvano

Thank you, Thank you very much. Thank you. That's the lowest I've ever seen Dick Vitale since the owner of the Detroit Pistons called him in and told him he should go into broadcasting.

Man Rescues New Mexico Girl from Suspected Kidnapping

August 15, 2011--When New Mexico resident Antonio Diaz Chacon saw a little girl being snatched from the street and placed into a blue van, he had no doubt about what he needed to do. He jumped into his own car and followed.

The 6-year-old victim had been going to a neighbor's house for a package of tostadas when she was grabbed from the street. Diaz had seen the man cover the girl's mouth and place her into the van. A neighbor screamed in Spanish, "Let her go, she's not yours!"

Martha Diaz said her husband told her he was going to block the way, that he was going to stop him. Martha called 911 as her husband left to follow the van.

Best of America is a page of American tributes, featuring songs and links to articles about the USA and its heros.

4 TROOPS: Singing Soldiers
These soldiers are bridging the gap between armed forces and America through song.

Glorifying Jesus - One Sole at a Time

July 20th, 1969

-- By Hong Min Zou*

IN GOD WE TRUST

     My fellow countrymen, what has happened to our great nation since my death? My heart is heavy over what I see. What has happened to the presence of God, to the sanctity of life, the family, equality of man, the values that our fellow countrymen died for so gloriously on the field of battle?

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

Source: "Long Walk To Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

During Nelson Mandela's 19 years imprisoned on Robben Island, one particular commanding officer was the most brutal of them all:

"A few days before Badenhorst's departure, I was called to the main office. General Steyn was visiting the island and wanted to know if we had any complaints. Badenhorst was there as I went through a list of demands. When I had finished, Badenhorst spoke to me directly.