Three Californians were given France's highest honor this morning, after their heroic actions foiled an attack aboard a European train. At great risk to themselves, the unarmed men subdued the well-armed would-be attacker, evidently intent on killing passengers aboard a train heading from Amsterdam to Paris.
Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos, and Anthony Sadler received the French Legion of Honor from French President Francois Hollande. British businessman Chris Norman was also honored. Three additional passengers, including one who was shot, will be honored later.
What is it that enables someone to face head on the risk of death or serious injury? Back on 9/11, passengers on United 93, knowing they were dealing with a suicide attacker, were able to force the plane down and save many other lives.
Maybe you've found yourself with having to decide whether to step into a violent situation or not. Probably not a terrorist attack, but domestic violence, street crime, robbery. What did you do? In hindsight, was it the right move, or do you regret how you responded? Did you think before you acted, or did you just act without considering cost to yourself?
