Courage in the Midst of Calamity, Heroism in the Midst of Horror

Stories are now being told of great courage and heroic deeds that took place on Monday during the shootings on the campus of VA Tech. These are stories that must be told.

Perhaps the most moving and profound act of heroism was displayed by a 76-year-old mechanics and engineering professor, Liviu Librescu. Librescu, a Holocaust survivor, barricaded the classroom door with his body, allowing his students to escape through the windows. Librescu did not survive.

In a world where unspeakable and dishonorable deeds take place, such as happened in Virginia, we need such stories of selfless and honorable behavior. People who use their suffering and tragedy, not as a reason to inflict more pain, but to produce good in the world, as Professor Librescu, remind us that there is hope for humanity, as surely God knows. Such people allow us to stand up a little straighter, to hold our heads a little higher, and to stick out our chests a little farther in pride and in admiration, as they instill in us a little more courage in the challenges we face each day. And perhaps their example will become ingrained in our characters in such a way, that if called upon to give ourselves for others, we will do so in the brave and honorable way that they did.

So let us tell their stories to our children. Let us never forget their names. Their courage keeps us from falling into utter despair and their bravery gives us the strength to press on.

Thank God for them! Thank God for Liviu Librescu!