Here’s to the Folks Who Bring Good to the World

Here’s to the folks who bring good to the world.

Here’s to role models who believe in the power of good — not what’s good for them but rather, what’s good for others.

Here’s to parents who recognize the enormous responsibility of bringing a child into the world. Parents who sacrifice everything to ensure that their children have a good life.

Here’s to spouses who understand the commitment of marriage — recognizing that love doesn’t have an expiration date.

Here’s to leaders who have the courage and the will to stand up for what’s right rather than what’s easy.

Here’s to the patriots who defended the freedoms that we enjoy today. And here’s to the patriots who honor their sacrifices and refuse to take them for granted.

Here’s to folks, like you and me, who try to make a difference. You may be a teacher who changed a kid’s life, a coach who helped your players achieve greatness, or even a stranger who went out of your way for a person you didn’t know. You live with honor and integrity, stay true to your beliefs and values, and your word is as good as a contract. You set high standards, make good choices, and accept responsibility for your actions. You treat everyone with dignity and respect, make people feel special, and you bring out the best in them. In sum, you strive to be an exemplary role model and lead by example in everything you do.

These folks are superstars who epitomize the good in the world. They’re the dreamers who ponder the impossible, the believers who give us hope, and the fireballs who forge ahead regardless of what stands in their way. They’re everyday people who are too humble to seek attention — even though they deserve it — and too honorable to ask for a reward — even though they earned it.

You know these folks, and I do, too. They bring good to the world. And I for one wish to thank them for their leadership, courage, and selflessness. They’re the best of the best — ordinary folks who make a difference in extraordinary ways.