A young man dies; and a hero emerges

Pittston Dispatch // Our Opinion - Your Opinion

GUEST COMMENTARY

June 14

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”

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Leonardi

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Henry David Thoreau

I watched with a heavy heart and tear filled eyes the funeral of Fallen Trooper Joshua Miller. Many thoughts passed through my mind as Trooper Miller was eloquently eulogized and honored.

I thought of his children who would grow up without their father.

I thought of his wife who would now have to live her life without her husband, her soul mate.

I thought of a young man, cut down in the prime of his life.

Hero is a term that is used all too frequently. It is used to describe the player that scores the winning basket, catches the winning pass or hits the winning home run, however, rarely is it used in the most appropriate manner.

Today it is.

Joshua Miller is a hero.

Celebrities and sports stars run from the term role model. They protest that it is parents who should be held up on a pedestal. With his actions Trooper Miller is more than heroic: he is a role model. He is someone not only that his children should look up to, but all children and all adults should respect and admire.

One day we will all leave this Earth. To how many of us will the above quote be applicable?

Trooper Miller left this life with honor, doing more than just a job, doing more than just his duty. Trooper Miller gave his life; sacrificed himself not simply in service to his badge but to much, much more.

His last moment, his last act, his last efforts were to rescue, to save from a live threatening situation, a child.

Trooper Miller will live on through his children. His children will live on with the knowledge that their father’s actions, their father’s selflessness, bravery and courage made it possible for another child to also live on.

In our small community I know many, however, I did not know Trooper Miller.

I wish I had.

May God bless him and may God bless and watch over his family.

Dr. Joe Leonardi is a local chiropractor who offers his thoughts from time to time.

10 Reader Comments

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Janet said...

Simply beautiful. Where have you been Dr. Leonardi, your words in this paper have been missed. Please do not stay away so long again.

June 14, 2009 at 8:30 PM

Dee said...

Wow. I have read and re-read this column several times and each time it evokes tears. I agree with Janet, where have you been Dr. Leonardi? Mr. Ackerman and Mr. Smiles why doesn't he have a regular spot in your paper? How about an answer?

June 18, 2009 at 5:50 PM

Carol said...

Once again Joe Leonardi puts our collective feelings into words. I agree with Janet, where have your been Joe. I also agree with Dee, WHY DOESN'T HE HAVE A REGULAR SPOT IN THIS PAPER. He is the voice of our region. God I hope we don't lose him.

June 19, 2009 at 8:53 PM

Don Williams said...

Articulate & eloquent.

June 22, 2009 at 3:40 PM

Mia said...

The word brain drain is used in our area a lot. Can I ask why you have not hired Joe Leonardi as a full time columnist? Not only for the Dispatch but for the Times Leader also? We have a real find here and you guys are dropping the ball big time. Ed, Jack and especially you Rich get on the stick and get this guy in the paper on a regular basis. He is what is needed.

June 26, 2009 at 11:28 AM

donna said...

joe has such great articles. they should be in the paper like every day!!!!! GREAT JOB JOE

July 13, 2009 at 12:42 PM

Mia said...

Kind of funny, Joe has been published rarely this year, yet he has 2 of your top 8 most viewed PD opinion stories. Does that tell you anything?

August 2, 2009 at 9:39 AM

Crystal said...

Mia, Today he has 4 out 8. What is it with you at the dispatch? Get the doc onboard. He has not only the information, but the means of making it interesting. Can one of you at least answer us; why isn't joe a regular columnist???

August 3, 2009 at 6:16 PM

Mia said...

Crystal, today it is 5 out of 8. What is up with the dispatch?

August 7, 2009 at 6:54 PM

Karen said...

5 out of 8 of your most read opinion stories are all old stories by Joe Leonardi. He is our voice, please, please, please give him a regular spot?

August 14, 2009 at 6:39 PM