Goodfellows52: Those damn Yankees do it again

Goodfellows52: Those damn Yankees do it again: A few days ago, three brave young Americans — Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler — put themselves in harm’s way when they pl...

Those damn Yankees do it again

A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.

                                                                                                                                            — Bob Dylan

A few days ago, three brave young Americans — Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler — put themselves in harm’s way when they placed themselves between an armed terrorist and fine citizens going about their business on a high-speed train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris.

These guys didn’t flinch when they went after a man carrying a Kalashnikov assault weapon, a Luger automatic pistol and a box cutter. 

By the way, these courageous fellows were unarmed.

There’s an old saying: “Never bring a knife to a gun fight.” 

And they didn’t even have a knife. 

All they had going for them was their brawn and fists — and it was enough to subdue the attacker.

It is reassuring when people with a sense for the greater good, uncommon valor and the overwhelming desire to protect law abiding citizens from mayhem come forth to save the day

There is a lot to be said about America, and some of it has been nasty, but when we step up, there’s really no stopping us — and I don’t say that with arrogance. 

Just ask the Nazis!

These young men didn’t give a damn about their own personal safety after taking down a Moroccan national who was armed and dangerous

Now, those three big Americans, who were holiday in Europe, have suddenly become heroes because of their decisive and fearless actions.

I know there were other courageous passengers who also attempted to foil the terrorist. This example of bravery is just one reason why terrorism doesn’t stand a chance in a civilized society.

Too bad it takes a nefarious act to bring us all together despite our obvious differences.

I believe these three Samaritans deserve more than a hand shake from the governments of France and the Kingdom of Netherlands.

And that is why President Francois Hollande presented France's highest honor — the Legion d'Honneur medal — to the three Americans and a Briton on Monday. I am proud of these three young men.

I commend the French for paying tribute to these heroes. I have always been grateful to the French for their meticulous care of cemeteries where Americans soldiers rest after giving their the last full measure of devotion to their country and to the rest of the free world. Of course, Americans should always appreciate the French for giving us the Statue of Liberty and allowing the Marquis de Lafayette — a french military officer — to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

All I can say is "Vive La France" and kudos to those three Yanks who put the kibosh on a possible terrorist attempt, and I am not alluding to that damn baseball team from the Bronx.

After, I am Boston-bred and a diehard Red Sox fan.