As a youngster, I had many heroes, idols, and role models. They included past Presidents, movie cowboys, rock singers, sports icons, astronauts, and many historical figures we read about in school. Remembering the very long list of people I looked up to during my childhood, I couldn’t help but wonder about today’s generation and who they might consider worthy of their respect and admiration. Based on what I see on TV, hear on the radio, find on the Internet, and view on magazine covers and newspapers, the list is very slim. Think about it:\u00a0Rock stars on the way to rehab or prison, sports stars on drugs or in jail, politicians creating new scandals daily as they prove to be everything but leaders. I began to wonder if today’s young people had anyone left to look up to.<\/p>\n
Then my spirit was renewed as I reviewed USA TODAY<\/em>‘s most recent “Commemorative Top 25 List.” For weeks now, I’ve suggested that you check out the Monday editions of USA TODAY<\/em> as they offer a different list each week to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. You can find their full-page specials in the paper or online every week from now until September.<\/p>\n This week’s feature focused on 25 very special people who have inspired us over the last 25 years. They made us care, cheer, and even cry. Our lives were enriched by these special people who moved us in so many ways. Most of these people were famous, but some were very ordinary folks who found themselves in extraordinary situations. Many became accidental leaders, even heroes. Most will live on in our memories forever. I’ve listed those 25 people below, but I recommend you check out the article itself\u00a0for greater details as to why each is so very special. Here’s still another article in the series that is certainly worthy of a family discussion after dinner tonight. There are far too few of those taking place in this country at a time when we need them more than ever before. Why not do what you can to change that trend?<\/p>\n Lives of Indelible Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n Your children and grandchildren will probably hear little or nothing about these people who contributed to our history in many different ways. Take a minute and tell them what you remember about each situation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a youngster, I had many heroes, idols, and role models. They included past Presidents, movie cowboys, rock singers, sports icons, astronauts, and many historical figures we read about in school. Remembering the very long list of people I looked … Continue reading \n