"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
-Martin Luther King, Jr
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."
-Thomas Paine
There are people who are silently on the job 24/7, all over the world, enduring great personal discomfort so that we all may enjoy the freedom and lifestyle that we have grown accustom to. These are the policemen, the firefighters and paramedics, the men and women of our armed forces and yes, even our CIA, FBI, and NSA. These are America's everyday heroes that perform so bravely so often, that we sometimes forget just how much they sacrifice on a daily basis so that we might be free. They don't do it for publicity, they do it for love of country and our way of life. They are the embodiment of what this nation stands for.