by Lincoln Hokenbrough (Author)

Hero. "A man admired for his achievements and noble qualities." It is a word that we in America throw around too lightly to athletes and celebrities. Thankfully, we also use it more accurately to describe our soldiers. Clarence Hibbs, a World War II veteran, refuses to describe himself as a hero. A husband, father, and grandpa, yes. An educator, certainly. But a hero? He would not even consider it. His story is like that of so many other veterans. He doesn't want the attention. He does not want to be singled out. He remembers his buddies who sacrificed more and did not come home. He remembers the death. He remembers the pain. He remembers the tears. When he looks in the mirror, he sees an old man with buried memories of real heroes. But those of us who know him best would say that he's a hero for all of the right reasons. You will have to judge for yourself.