(cross-posted to The Cotillion)
I was perusing The Birmingham News blog entries and ran across this one, featuring a local Marine vet who’s making a stand in honor of those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
Michael Rudulph, a three-tour Marine veteran, has taken a stand — vigilantly guarding the Eternal Flame of Freedom monument, a tribute to all war veterans, located in Linn Park here in Birmingham. The flame has been out for many years, and no one knows for certain how long or why. Sitting beside the monument with his own make-shift torch, a fire extinguisher, and some coffee, he has vowed not to leave his post except only to attend his classes at UAB and to sleep.
My hat’s off to you, Mr. Rudulph! It does my heart good to see our own local heroes stepping up and setting a good example for the rest of us. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I for one am tired of hearing about spoiled rotten starlets and pop stars hopping in and out of drug rehabilitation clinics. Give me more stories like Rudulph’s. Stop rewarding bad behavior with press and start rewarding those who are actually trying to make a difference in this world — even if it’s only starting with one monument in a small park in the South.
To Michael, thank you for your service and for raising awareness. To The Birmingham News, we need more of these!
Christy
good old larry langford already has it lit.