America has a rich history full of heroes that have displayed large amounts of courage.
Whether discussing soldiers fighting for our nation or everyday folks who put themselves on the line, it is clear that courage can take all shapes and forms. At this year's ESPY Awards ceremony, Caitlyn Jenner was given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award for her role in championing transgender issues. She gave an extremely moving speech that brought many, including herself, to tears.
However, not everyone was happy about the choice for Jenner to receive the honor. Social media erupted with people who thought she was not deserving of a courage award. But now, one U.S. soldier has something amazing to say to those detractors.
Soldier Joey Vicente is fed up with the negative posts and comments about Jenner and her award, so he has posted a response on Facebook. What this hero has to say about Jenner — someone he also considers a hero — is truly moving. And now his words are going completely viral!
Scroll down to see Vicente's words about Jenner and her courage award.
(Please note that his message does include some expletives.)
Please SHARE this soldier's beautiful words about positivity and true courage!
h/t: BuzzFeed
Joey Vicente (pictured center) is a soldier in the U.S. Army who is tired of negative attacks on social media, particularly those that are being made about Caitlyn Jenner. In response to those posting this negativity, Vicente wrote this on Facebook:
"Your negative opinions on Caitlyn Jenner and her deservedness of an award that you didn't even know about until a few days ago are irrelevant.
Your definition of what or who a hero can and cannot be is irrelevant.
40% of the transgender community have attempted suicide. What if I told you that her speech last night saved even one human being from attempting to take their life. I'd call that a victory on any scale. I'd call that (gasp)… heroic?
You don't like that a female who used to identify as male got an award at a ceremony run by ESPN? Here's a hint: get over yourself. You are on the wrong side of history. Like many bigots of the civil rights era, you will one day have to answer for your hate, whether it is to your God, a loved one, or your few hundred Facebook friends that you think give the slightest bit of a s*** about what kind of sandwich you ate or what kind of workout you got in today.
You want to voice your opinion? Please, I beg that you do. But in using terms like 'freak' or 'f****t' you paint a much more vivid picture of yourself than you ever could of Caitlyn Jenner, a human being just now finally finding her comfort zone."
Vicente's message of inclusion and positivity has gone viral, earning him a lot of attention. He told BuzzFeed, "Bigotry in any form is unacceptable and I guess I was just fed up with seeing people's offensive remarks about a person they know nothing about. I posted what I posted because it's what I feel."
Vicente has received a lot of love for his post. In fact, he recently updated his Facebook page, saying, "I'm overwhelmed with the love and support of the past 24 hours and I'd be a mad man to thank everyone individually so I'll simply say this: you all are just great."
He told BuzzFeed, "I joined the service and picked my job because I love helping people. I love positivity and I love my country."
Please SHARE this soldier's beautiful words about positivity and true courage!
