The word “true” is used in many ways. It means accurate, genuine, honest, real, proper, factual, or exact. A patriot is one who cares about their nation and the people who make it up. A patriot is willing to make sacrifices for the good of their fellow citizens. A patriot is loyal to their nation and the principles of their nation. A patriot is one who is courageous to stand for what is right and stand against what is wrong. These are the words that are lived out by those who serve our nation in a uniform of service. Our nation’s military, law enforcement professionals, fire service personnel, EMTs and Paramedics, first responders, and emergency service personnel are true patriots. We owe these brave men and women a debt of gratitude for their willingness to serve and the sacrifices they make in their service. Patriot Day was established to remember the attacks on our nation by evil men who hate our nation and the freedoms it stands for here and around the world. We need to remember those who were killed and those who died in their efforts to rescue people in danger. We need more citizens who are true patriots that will cause them to be willing to dedicate their lives to serve for the wellbeing of their fellow citizens. Sometimes true patriots are not dressed in a uniform yet they dedicate their lives to serve others and protect their nation. This past week we were not only saddened by the memory of the great loss 24 years ago, but we were also saddened by the great loss to our nation in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I first remember seeing this young man being interviewed on TV in Chicago when he was a senior in high school. It wasn’t long after that he began the Turning Point USA organization at the age of 18. He dedicated his life to challenging the wrong ideas of unbiblical influences in our society. He would debate people on college campuses around the nation trying to help them see the error of their logic and get them to take an honest look at the truth and the facts about issues. He, too, was a true patriot and he is evidence of the impact a person can have on their society even at a young age. He tragically was killed by someone wanting to silence his message at only 31 years old. He accomplished much in his short life. It is my hope that the impact that his life and the heroes who put themselves in harm’s way to help their fellow citizens will motivate others to dedicate their lives to have a positive impact on their society no matter what their age may be.