An Athlete Who Gets It!

Tiger Woods spoke Sunday, January 18, 2009, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington during "We Are One," an inauguration celebration for President-elect Barack Obama.

Below is the text of his speech, entitled "You'll Never Walk Alone" as posted on his Web-site:

"I grew up in a military family — and my role models in life were my Mom and Dad, Lt. Colonel Earl Woods. My dad was a Special Forces operator and many nights friends would visit our home. They represented every branch of service, and every rank. In my Dad, and in those guests, I saw firsthand the dedication and commitment of those who serve. They come from every walk of life, from every part of our country.

Time and again, across generations, they have defended our safety in the dark of night and far from home. Each day — and particularly on this historic day — we honor the men and women in uniform who serve our country and protect our freedom. They travel to the dangerous corners of the world, and we must remember that for every person who is in uniform, there are families who wait for them to come home safely.

I am honored that the military is such an important part, not just of my personal life, but of my professional life as well. The golf tournament we do each year here in Washington is a testament to those unsung heroes. I am the son of a man who dedicated his life to his country, family and the military, and I am a better person for it.

In the summer of 1864, Abraham Lincoln, the man whose memorial we stand, spoke to the 164th Ohio Regiment and said: 'I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country.'

Just as they have stood tall for our country — we must always stand by and support the men and women in uniform and their families.

Thank you and it is now my pleasure to introduce the U.S. Naval Glee Club."

While I am not an avid follower of professional golf, it is refreshing to see an athlete who gets it. Heroism is not defined by who can run the fastest, hit a ball the farthest, or jump the highest. Heroism is defined, yea, embodied by those who lay their life on the line for the greater good of others. These are the people who should be our role models.

Thank you Tiger Woods.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

- Arthur Ashe