Written by Janna Shick and Cindy Smith
The day began as a typical Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania. The sun shone brightly with the promise of a warm day as people milled about with their weekend plans. Today, presidential candidate Donald J. Trump would speak at a rally in a few short hours at the Farm Show Grounds. Republican enthusiasts gathered together excited for this opportunity to see a former president. Unfortunately, the day would end on a much more sorrowful note than it began. Our lives would forever be affected by a few short but tragic minutes.
Our country was shocked by the evil plot to assassinate President Trump who barely escaped certain death. Family members and rally-goers were numb. Local firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed and two others were seriously injured – David Dutch and James Copenhaver. Our quiet town was suddenly buzzing with emergency sirens, medical helicopters and local, national and even international reporters. Flags were flown half-staff to honor the fallen.
June 16, 1974 – July 13, 2024
Aside from the tragedy that occurred, rally attendees witnessed love in its rarest and most precious form – a love that spoke louder than words. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Mr. Comperatore willingly gave up his own life to protect those he treasured most. He didn’t stop to consider the outcome, but dove to protect his family from danger. He bravely gave up his life so that others might live, and died as a hero.
As it was so beautifully written in his obituary, “Corey’s life was a reflection of his faith… His life reminds us that to be courageous is to love without limits.” We frequently label heroes according to their uniform or line of work. Young children see flashing lights and sirens and think of a superhero; and they imitate them in their imaginative play. However, there are times when heroes are not associated by their occupation but rather by their response to trouble.
July 13, 2024 unearthed so many incredible ordinary people who stepped up and fulfilled vital, yet unassigned roles. Complete strangers rushed to help victims and their families, compassionate citizens listened to trauma-filled stories and Corey Comperatore sacrificed his life. We saw our former president injured and yet rise with a fierce determination to fight for freedom. Alexander Hamilton’s quote came to life before our eyes: “There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” We all have had heroes in our lives that have left an indelible impression upon us. Many times their effect challenges us to be a better person; to make right choices; to look to God. Heroes aren’t a certain gender or age, they can be family members or perfect strangers. They are the ones who are at the right place, at the right time who do the right thing, whether large or small.
Lend a hand, be willing to care about others and simply smile at someone. You never know when your simple gesture of kindness will mean the world to another person.
Recently on October 5, around 24,000 people from Butler and the surrounding communities attended another rally this time to go home “with a sigh of relief,” one news reporter from KDKA reported. Some rally-goers described the event as “very beautiful, almost spiritual; very positive.”
We have seen the true spirit of our community pulling together and both mourning the loss of those fallen as well as celebrating American pride and resilience.
| Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art! |
