I was listening to a story on the radio today about a soldier who gave up his life, during a military operation that had gone wrong.  In doing so, he saved the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers.  This story was the epitome of the word "bravery".  It is difficult to determine how many of us would be willing to sacrifice our lives for the sake of someone else.  Most of us would do so for our own children, however, the cost associated with such an act rises very quickly when it is not someone in our immediate family.  The word brave is certainly not enough to describe what this young man did.  There were other characteristics associated with this individual, some of which included:  courage, unselfish, dedicated, heroic and humility.  I am also reminded of the many brave individuals all over the world, who left the security of their home and family in an attempt to seek a better life.  In a similar context, there are people in abusive relationships that get the courage to some how leave, as they reach a juncture in their lives that tells them they are worth a lot more than the situation they find themselves in.  All of these examples are difficult one's, however, they are reminders of the many brave men and women who exist among us.  It is always my hope that an act of bravery does not come at a cost of a human life.  Therefore today I am honoring all of the brave individuals that had the courage to help save a life or lives, including their own.