Courage Under Fire

Ukraine stands firm against its enemy.

President Volodymir Zelenskyy

What better time to discuss the topic of courage than now, with the Ukrainian people standing firm against a merciless invader. Being brave is not about acting in the absence of fear, it’s about doing so in spite of feeling fear and terror.

We normally and historically think about men — soldiers and fighters during wars — when we talk of bravery. However, women and children are also thrown into the midst of fearful campaigns and forced to become refugees during these events.

Seeing film of the women of Ukraine, young and old, with and without children, fleeing the shelling and heading for safety in free Eastern European countries, has been one of the most memorable scenes of courage and pathos during this war. And the acts of compassion from Polish and other citizens has been a great antidote to all of us seeking faith in humanity.

Still, it is the brave men and women remaining at their posts in Ukraine who hold the future of the country in their hands. We must trust them for keeping the republic of Ukraine from falling into the hands of a dictator, while shelling and buildings fall around them.

A special commendation must go to the president of Ukraine, Volodymir Zelenskyy, who has remained a symbol of courage for his people and for the world during this conflict. At a recent speech to the European council he said: “If Russia had known what it would face in Ukraine, it would have definitely been afraid to come here.”

One of the lessons for dictators is that once a people has a taste of freedom, there’s no going back without a struggle.