US Air Force Chief of Staff, General Mark Welsh, wrote “A Tribute to a Hero” on the passing of Col George “Bud” Day last weekend.  The General indicated he had a somewhat personal history with the legend of Col Day:

My dad was a hero. As a young man, I asked him who his combat heroes were; he gave me only two names. One was Major General Frederick “Boots” Blesse and the other was Colonel George E. “Bud” Day. My dad was not easily impressed, so I knew that if they were his heroes, they were very, very special men. I was right.

What is most interesting, though, is what General Welsh highlights as Col Day’s legacy:

Future Airmen will honor his name and treasure his story, not because of the awards and buildings named in his honor, but for the legendary character, the unbreakable spirit and the values he demonstrated each and every day.

In an essay reminiscent of General Welsh’s past inspirational speeches, the Chief praised Col Day’s “character,” “spirit,” and “values.”  These are truly what a man is remembered for, and what determines whether history remembers him as “great.”

Sadly, society generally frowns upon such virtues now.  The US military, while it generally captures those virtues in its core values, often struggles with encouraging its troops to have those virtues — while demurring on how to have them, perhaps out of fear of being seen as “preaching.”

Col Bud Day endured horrific trials, and, as General Welsh said, he prevailed as a man of character.  He was not perfect, by any means — but no man is.

God does not call us to be perfect.  He calls us to be forgiven, and to walk in His way — a way of strong character, in His Spirit, and with Christ-like values.

What will your legacy be?

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