I had known about the legendary Helen Keller for a long time. Even though she was totally blind and deaf, she authored 12 books and several articles. She was lauded as 'a trailblazer and an inspiration to those with disabilities'. Almost two weeks ago, a bronze statue of her was installed in the United States Capitol.

The statue depicted seven-year-old Keller standing alone by a water pump. It sought to commemorate the first time that she learnt the 'mystery of language'. However, in fact, at the moment of her 'enlightenment', Keller was not alone; standing beside her was her teacher and eventual life-long friend, Anne Sullivan, who was spelling out the word 'water' in one of Keller's hands as she pumped the substance over the other. Keller is quoted as saying, "That living word awakened my soul, gave it light, hope, joy, set it free." Anne Sullivan is often only referred to (almost anonymously) as 'her teacher' in the media.

It's interesting that although Miss Sulli-van (who was visually-challenged) was the individual responsible for her student's epiphany and, therefore, remarkable achievements, she was not bestowed with the accolades commen-surate with the part that she played in the remarkable life story of Helen Keller.

I found some similarity to our National Heroes Day - a day when, among other things, several people are given a range of National Honours and Awards. I want to heartily congratulate all the recipients but, whereas these honours and awards are undoubtedly well-deserved, invariably, year after year, many people who have sacrificed much - sometimes helping to raise the recipients to their elevated status - are never recognised.

Soft spot for teachers

I confess that I have a soft spot for teachers. My mother is a retired teacher and I grew up witnessing the study, preparation and hard work that it takes to teach pupils. I know of teachers who risk their health and lives to impart essential knowledge to inner-city children. They have no police escort, no bodyguards, no bullet-proof vests, receive no 'hazard pay', are often verbally and sometimes physically abused by errant students, irate and ignorant parents yet, out of love for their pupils and their job, they go to work under horrible circumstances.

Every subset of our society has its 'heroes'. Similar stories of everyday heroism can be told of many of our police, firefighters, health personnel and civil servants who work tirelessly, scrape by financially and, although some receive National Honours and Awards, many more are never recognised for their relentless efforts to safeguard our lives, property and help to build our nation.

Being publicly honoured is important, not only for the honourees but also as a positive point of reference for others to aspire towards. It demonstrates our nation's appreciation for those who strive to improve their community and/or country and rewards their efforts and achieve-ments. Far too many undeserved, so-called 'role models' influence our impressionable youth with their songs and unbecoming stage antics. As we recently learnt, some fans risk their lives to 'defend' one dancehall camp or another.

It, therefore, seems to me that it would be prudent for the Government actively to seek out the quiet background, deserving past and present stalwarts among us and make certain that the honour list includes those worthy 'heroes'.

Decency, honesty, perseverance

We have more than enough negative personalities assailing our sensibilities, programming hate, ignorance, intolerance and violence into our society while parading their mundane trappings of 'success'. We need icons with decency, honesty and perseverance to set examples for our people.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Feedback may be sent to garthrattray@gmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.