Honor is one of my favorite "activities". I refer to honor as an activity because the practice of it requires a certain degree of effort and attitude. To give honor to someone or something such as an organization or business, it is first necessary to execute a measurement.

The measurement process begins by taking what is considered normal or standard and then holding up the person or organization to that standard. If the person or organization goes above and beyond the norm or what is standard then a certain degree of honor is due.

Once the measurement is made then the rest of the activity of giving honor is all about attitude.

Here is a great truth; honorable people give honor where it is due. Dishonorable, selfish people only get jealous, angry and vindictive when someone else gets credit.

Honorable people have clear attitudes about giving honor. They know its value to their own life, how it builds their community.

A good example of this process is found in our column titled, Veterans of Freedom. In Veterans of Freedom we give honor to men and women who put their life on the line in defense of our nation and freedom here and around the globe. These people clearly deserve honor because they do something far above what most of us would ever be called upon to do.

While we enjoy our life of freedom here in the USA, dishonorable killers in far away lands are targeting them.

For most of us our greatest danger of the day is driving to work.

For them it is a 24-hour a day, minute-by-minute avoidance of death from a dozen directions.

It is not hard to understand why these folks deserve our honor. And even though some political factions attempt to blur their efforts in these far away places, we know where honor belongs.

While measuring our war veterans for honor is a no-brainer, the measurement of others amongst us is often ignored or given very little effort. When we started Alle-Kiski Today our mission was to bring honor where it was due. As we continue in this effort the one great lesson we've learned is just how truly daunting the task is when it comes to giving honor where honor is due.

Once you learn the measurements of honor and begin digging for honorable people in this region you soon realize the staggering number of sincere people who truly do make a significant impact in the lives of the people around them and in their communities. And you become quickly acquainted with how very few ever get the recognition they deserve.

In fact I am mostly appalled at how they are often taken for granted, mocked and even vilified in the media. I recently watched an array of television programs that made mockery of policemen, teachers, parents, an army sergeant, our President, a social worker, a pastor and a local businessperson. How very sad. Television and media content is such a mess I am no longer comfortable leaving my youngest child alone in the room even during commercials.

I have harped on this message in previous Editor's Columns and Lord willing I hope to continue with opportunity to do so for many years to come. If together, you and I, can just add a few people who are honored each month I believe we can significantly encourage this, and future, generations on to greater things.

To that end, take a moment today to measure someone in your life for honor. If they go above the norm, if they break the standard, let them know that you see their work and appreciate it. It is the honorable thing to do.