While visiting family in Kansas over the past couple weeks, I had an opportunity to feed my thirst for all things history-related, by visiting the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. This is a permanent exhibit dedicated solely to shining light on unsung heroes of past generations, through student-driven projects.
When I was studying history, I loved to find the stories of the lesser-known figures, who had done such beautiful work. Everyone has heard of Oskar Schindler, but who has heard of Irena Sendler, the Catholic social worker, credited with saving over 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto?
Irena Sendler, Elizabeth Eckford, Ken Reinhardt, and Ann Williams are just a few of the unsung heroes unearthed by high school history students throughout the country, and showcased in the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
Today is the International Day of Women. All across the United States, women are reminding each other of their worth, and championing equal rights between men and women. While thousands of women in the States are advocating taking a day off paid employment, or advocating mothers working inside the home not engage in home-care activities, other women across this world are being subjected to horrendous atrocities simply by being born female. Women are being mutilated because they are women; young girls are being forced to marry men sometimes the age of their grandfathers. Still, others, in countries the United States historically allies herself with, are not allowed to even drive a vehicle, or take a walk outside without the escort of a male relative.
As women, we don’t have to stop doing our work in order to celebrate the women who are our unsung heroes.
Instead, we should remember and recognize these women on a daily basis:
… the single mom, working two jobs to raise her family…
… the woman leaving an abusive relationship behind, battered, weary, broken, and in need of a helping hand, or loving heart…
… the young girl trying to start her future, struggling to find a way to attend her college of choice…
… the woman quietly hunched over in prayer, trying to determine how to get her life, home, and love back on track…
None of us are exempt from looking outside ourselves, and recognizing the inherent worth and goodness of our neighbor – whether they be a different race, different sex, different creed.
All of us are being called to be an unsung hero – the hand that helps someone else in need, at a moment they need it the most.
Every single one of us are being called to make this world a little better than we have found it to date.
So, join me, not just today, but every day, in making a difference. Let’s teach our children they, too, can make a difference – not just in their own life, but in the lives of those around them.
Join me, in teaching our children the values that will also make them unsung heroes.
Because those lessons start at home…
…many times, with the influence of a woman.
History has so many hidden gems. Thanks for calling our attention to these two women and their unique stories.
Thanks for stopping by! The four people highlighted in this post were just “regular people,” like the rest of us – I feel strongly we could all do a good job at remembering their example, and following their footsteps!
Beautiful post! I had not heard of the Unsung Hero project! I loved how you shared some of the people who have been found by students. So interesting!! I would be interested in learning and hearing more (I love history!!) And yes, we are ALL CALLED TO BE UNSUNG HEROES! Amen!
They share some of their projects online! They also encourage history teachers in high schools to foster student-lead projects, and have a training program for teachers. This program has an *amazing* mission!
Wow what a great reminder! Love this! It also puts things into perspective. Thank you!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for commenting!
I homeschool too. I think this is a great idea for students to write about. In fact, I think I will bring the idea to my next homeschool parent meeting. This would be a neat group project to do–Each family that participates chooses an unsung hero or two to write about and then we create a bulletin board at our church featuring these usung heroes. Thanks!
You’re welcome! This particular organization has a homeschooled student’s project featured, too. So, I would definitely explore their website (link is at the beginning of the article), and see what resources are available for homeschooling families, too!
Anni,
It was so nice to meet you at the center! I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the stories with you and Chris! I love working at the Milken Center and am very passionate about its mission! Thank you for highlighting your visit. You are a wonderful writer!
Thank you so much, Cathy! I will be doing what I can to promote this phenomenal project and center – it’s a cause which definitely resonates with me. 😊
I absolutely love the idea of a museum for unsung heroes! Thanks for sharing some of their stories and reminding us about the everyday heroism all around us.
You’re welcome! It really is an amazing concept for a museum. And, reminded me strongly of part of the mission of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C. – to help prevent genocide by ensuring everyone knows they can play their own part in keeping civility and justice in the forefront of our everyday actions!