Wednesday, February 09, 2005

A good Soldier: Tribute to Charles Hicks (1908-2005) I went to the funeral of a dear friend of three generations of my family. His nephew, Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr., a minister gave a powerful talk in which he described Charles as a good soldier. He went on to describe the three general orders that all soldiers are to obey; and how these general orders applied in Charles' life. In describing these general orders, he outlined valuable lessons for each of us which I will paraphrase below: Take charge of your post. A good soldier accepts full responsibility for the assigned post with no excuses. Don't be a victim of what others fail to do. Charles' family came from humble origins, yet he and others in his family went on to great success. Charles earned a Doctorate in Education and became a renowned educator. He did not let the fickle fortunes of fate define him; nor did he complain about how things were. Rather, he took responsibility for his own life; for his own success; for his own happiness. Rather than complain, he acted. We must have the courage to take charge of our lives & do what is needed to make a meaningful contribution; and to achieve personal satisfaction and success. Walk your post in a military manner. There is a right way to do everything. To be a soldier is to live in ever present danger, yet you are to walk with your head held high and your chest out. RhbNote: Growing up a Black American of achievement in southern United States in the 40's, 50's & 60's was to live in constant danger; especially if you were willing to speak your mind about the injustices of the day. I am reminded of a comment from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: "... and so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent." Continuing with the paraphrase of Rev. Hicks' comments: How you walk is a reflection of how you think. Quit your post only when properly relieved. A soldier is always on duty and never gives up until he or she is relieved of the post and the responsibility for the post is assumed by another. As a result of an automobile accident, Charles lived for many years with pain, yet he continued to work tirelessly on projects important to him; he continued to travel. Neither, his discomfort nor his age kept him from pursuing his goals; and he never complained. RhbNote: These three general orders are good lessons for each of us. Take charge of our lives and the things that are important to us; and live without excuses, without complaints. Carry ourselves with courage and determination in the face of difficulties, disappointment and danger."Walk on, walk on, with your head held high & you will never walk alone". Only quit when we have achieved our mission or we are properly relieved from our post by those who are prepared to carry on. On a personal note: Charles was a great friend. My father and mother loved him. I and all my siblings and my father's siblings loved him. We all have fond memories of him; he will not be forgotten. Charles Albert Hicks. I salute you. Rest In Peace. Rhb 10:55:00 PM    comment []

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