National Cartoonists Day!

May 5th is National Cartoonists Day. According to legend, this is the day that the first color cartoon (“The Yellow Kid”) showed up in the papers. And the rest is history.

What I have found out over the years is that the National Cartoonists Society is made up of a bunch of regular guys with extraordinary talent. Over a hundred of them have visited VA hospitals, active duty military hospitals and visited troops far from home. Many have gone overseas to visit the troops and put some smiles on their faces. And they don’t get a dime for their efforts, but to a person they will tell you that they receive plenty. They return home inspired and overflowing with praise for our men and women who serve and sometimes sacrifice for those of us back here.

They won’t beat their chests for what they give to the troops, so I’ll do it for them. Medical personnel have said that their visits contribute to the overall morale and health of those who have been hurt. I have personally seen the looks of appreciation and gratitude for stopping in. The USO has said that the cartoonists trips are among the most popular celebrity visits they receive all year.

I think it is because cartoonists bring a little bit of home with them when they travel. They spend a lot of time with each patient or Soldier, Airman, Sailor and Marine and talk. They talk about everything and in the process create a bond. And they leave them not only with a funny picture, but also with a real sense of appreciation for what they do to defend the rest of us.

A bunch of regular guys with extraordinary talent.

And hearts of gold.