Chapter 241

“Lives were saved that cold afternoon last fall when two toddlers plunged into the frigid waters of Emerson River. We saw a hero willingly risk his life to save others. Lives were saved the day of that horrible attack on our school. Billy Marsh and Jared White used their bodies to shield Charlotte and me from the killers’ bullets. In doing so, both of these fine men were seriously injured. Many others stayed behind in a gym containing explosives to render medical and moral assistance to those injured in the attack. I can only explain these heroic acts this way. They were acts of ‘love.’ When people risk death or injury to help others, they are guided by love. When people line up to donate blood for others, the motivation is love for fellow man. That love shown so many times by the Spartan Nation has proven to be far stronger than hatred and despair. It gives life meaning and purpose. Of all the emotions, I believe love is by far the strongest. The Spartan Nation has been tested. It