3rd Annual Class for the National Garden of Heroes

 

3^rd Annual Class of the National Garden of Heroes

 Here are my picks for the next ten great American heroes for the National Garden, immortalized in stone and the hearts of us all.

Neil Armstrong (1930-2012), Astronaut

Obviously, Armstrong was the first human being to visit another celestial world. Millenia from now, that moment will mark a turning point in human history. Yet despite this achieve, he led a humble life, not seeking fame or political office like some of his NASA fellow. He spent his later years encouraging young people in engineering and giving deserving credit to the thousands who brought him to that moment.

 

Clara Barton (1821-1912), Nurse, Medical Advocate

          Barton was the founder of the Red Cross, one the most prestigious worldwide medical organizations. She cut her teeth tending to the wounded in the Civil War and spent the rest of her life making sure everyone would have access to the best health care possible.

 

Desmond Doss (1919-2006), Army Corporal, Conscientious Objector

          Doss was the only CO in the history of the United States military to receive the medal of honor. As a Seventh Day Adventist, he refused to engage in combat but still was willing to help his country, saving over 75 soldiers during the heat of battle.

 

Nathaniel Hawthorn (1804-1864), Writer

          Hawthorn was one of the great novelists of the 19^th century including The Scarlet Letter and The Legend of Sleepy Hallow. He did an amazing job playing with the intersection between old world religion in a new land.

         

Chuck Jones (1912-2002), Animator

          Most famous as the primary animator of Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes, he was one of the most influential short format filmmakers of 20^th century.

 

Christy Matthewson (1880-1925), Professional Baseball Player

          Matthewson was one of the greatest pitchers of the dead ball era and was part of the inaugural class of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. He was also known the archetypical gentleman-athlete, known for his fair play and good sportsmanship. 

         

Linus Pauling (1901-1994), Chemist, Peace Advocate

          Pauling was one of the primer American scientists of the first part of the 20^th century who contributed many findings in multiple fields. Later in life, he became a prominent advocate of nuclear disarmament and a symbol for scientists taking responsibility for their discoveries. He is only person to win two unshared Noble prizes, in separate categories no less (Chemistry and Peace).

 

Edgar Allen Poe (1809-1849), Writer

          Poe was the original master of gothic horror, authors of many, many classic American novellas.

 

Rev. Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984), Evangelist

          Schaeffer was the weird figure. He looked like someone who jumped out of a time machine from the 18^th century but brought evangelical Christianity into the post-modern age. He was one of the first to encourage Christians to directly engage wider politics and culture, leading to the rise of the Religious Right.

 

Rev. George Whitefield (1714-1770), Evangelist

          Whitefield was a primary architect of the 1^st Great Awakening and the Methodist religion. He was also one of the first traveling evangelists who preached in large tents on the outskirts of town directly to the masses rather in the old Anglican churches.