American Heroes: A Sad, Bittersweet, & Exciting Weekend

I want to take the opportunity to honor three American Heroes:

Luther Vandross, the soul & r&b legend passed away at the age of 54 on Friday, July 1, 2005. I grew up listening to Luther, because he was one of my father's favorite artists. His music transcended generational and ethnic boundaries. May the soul of the man who brought much soul to the world, rest in peace.

Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, announced her retirement on July 1, 2005. O'Connor is a self-identified conservative who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan, but she has proven herself to be one of the most independent, fair-minded, and non-ideologically driven Justices to ever sit on the nation's highest court. The U.S. would be a better place if we had more government officials like her.

Venus Williams, a legend in the making (if she has not already achieved that status at 25 years of age) has just won her third Wimbledon championship, in the longest women's match ever at 2 hours and 45 minutes. Venus and her sister Serena have inspired countless boys and girls of all racial and cultural backgrounds to become tennis players. After the shooting of her older sister in 2003, she has been making a tough comeback. Venus' will and resolve is an example for all of us who wish to go beyond the ordinary and achieve the remarkable.