Roger's Example
There are some people whose lives serve as examples, pointing the rest of us in the right direction. Medal of Honor recipient Roger H. C. Donlon was one of those people.
Colonel Donlon was the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. “Roger” is remembered by many for carrying a compass in his pocket and for often gifting others one. A compass, not for navigation, but as a reminder of the direction his life was meant to follow. He was always ready to share the story.
In 1989, as his father was nearing the end of his life, Roger was given a compass and advice he would never forget. He was told that the compass would help remind him to stay on the right path, and that when his father was gone, others in his community - teachers, leaders, neighbors, and others -would help guide him and keep him pointed the right way. He often spoke about how the community he was raised in did not leave the job of teaching character to one person alone. Everyone shared the responsibility of showing the next generation “the way.”
Later in life, he explained what that compass came to mean to him, saying, “ It is a reminder to me to check my compass every day. Not just my GPS but my financial compass, my educational compass and certainly my spiritual and moral compass.”
Roger is on my mind today, not only because we commemorate both Medal of Honor Day and National Vietnam War Veterans Day this week, but also because, while helping my grandson tidy up his toy room, I noticed his Army costume and the accessories, one of which was a toy compass. I took some time to share Roger’s story with my grandson.
This is exactly how Wreaths Across America’s “Remember Me “ initiative will help us tie the three parts of our mission together. Sharing the stories and, whenever possible, the character of our heroes in their own words.
The truth is that children are not born with that compass already set.
It is given to them by parents, teachers, veterans, communities, and organizations willing to take the time to teach. That is the kind of lesson we hope the next generation learns when we involve them in the year-round WAA mission.
Later in his life, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Roger once again showed the kind of strength that comes from a life guided by faith and purpose. He said,” God gives us the courage and strength to face the next battle.”
And now it is our turn to make sure the children who follow us know the way too. For my part, I will continue to share Roger’s story and encourage everyone to follow the advice that he often ended his conversations with.
“Keep your moral compass facing North.” - Medal of Honor Recipient, Col. Roger D. Donlon
Remember, Honor, Teach.
