Supererogation and the Fourth of Juy

I am currently reading The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, From the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon.

The description of the book on its inside cover states: “Now her book proves that the most remarkable Americans are often the ones who don’t become presidents or typical tycoons. The book will introduce you to a new cast of improbable champions who will challenge everything you thought you knew about America and who makes it great.”

McMahon’s book is about “unsung heroes,” people who want what is best for others in sports, politics, or everyday life. They don’t seek the spotlight and, paradoxically, are the ones who always act behind the scenes.

They do acts of supererogation, going above and beyond the call of duty, behind the scenes.  McMahon describes the people who have been making a difference since 1776 but who don’t appear in history textbooks. They were just as instrumental in moving our nation to gain our independence and in the quest for ongoing freedom.  

I have candidates who fit the description of the unsung hero. They are usually unknown like the unknown soldier in Arlington Cemetery, and they go above and beyond the call of duty often behind the scenes.

John DiSangro was a key aid to Coach John Chaney at Temple University. He was a trusted confident and a longtime member of the Temple Basketball staff who later became a behind the scenes ace of the Phillies TV broadcast. He died this past week of a heart attack at his home. He was 60.

The Inquirer reflected, “He did everything such as stopping to get Dunkin’ Donuts on his way to early practices to place an order for every coach and player. He arranged tickets for family and alumni and made sure that each player had the proper gear and that hotels on the road had TNT so Chaney could watch the NBA.” He had a huge impact on others. Drew Golin, who worked as a team manager under DiSangro said, “Like many others, he changed my life. If anyone ever says I’ve done anything good. It’s because of his influence and impact.”

Coach Chaney would indicate that he would not be in the Hall of Fame without John. “He took every single detail that every coach has to worry about outside of coaching and took care of it.” Supererogation”, going above and beyond the call of duty, behind the scenes.

We have heard too much about Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, but you have probably never heard of Elizabeth MacDonough, the Parliamentarian for Congress, who keeps the deliberations in Congress true to the law regarding procedures. A lot of people whose names you know such as Trump, Vance, and others want her fired because of procedural problems she has found in the Big Beautiful Bill which violated the law. She has made more of a difference, in my opinion, than all the Republican “performers” who want this unelected official fired. John Thune stepped in and refused to do that stating, “that would not be a good option.”

Supererogation, going above the call of duty, behind the scenes, unsung hero

Ricky Whelan a graduate of EA and Brown, received the lacrosse team’s Unsung Hero Award at Brown. I was Ricky’s teacher, advisor, friend, and fan at EA. Ricky walked down our EA school hallways and never seemed to be in a hurry. This was a contrast to watching him play lacrosse where he zoomed around the playing field. He won many awards for his athletic prowess including the Most Valuable Player Award for lacrosse. Not many athletes win the award for the greatest contribution to the drama program as well. He chose to work behind the scenes in any way possible during a drama production. He would come into my office dressed in black for his commitment to our drama program after changing from his blue and white lacrosse uniform worn at practice.

Ricky’s presence as an unsung hero included that, according to his coaches at Brown, “he epitomized that award in that he did the dirty work. He was an unsung hero both on and off the field. It didn’t matter if you were a freshman or a senior, if you needed someone to talk to, you went to Ricky.”

Ricky died in his sleep on January June 11 at home in the year after he graduated from Brown. 1000 people attended his Memorial Service at Christ Chapel on our Merion Campus. Buses arrived on our campus from all over the Northeast.

So, during this Fourth of July weekend, remember all those known and unknown who have made our nation and lives better. Consider the people as well who you would consider to be unsung heroes. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for them as well.

Supererogation, above the call of duty, unsung heroes, behind the scenes

The Nicene Creed summarizes part of the Christian faith.

WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD,

THE FATHER, THE ALMIGHTY

MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH

OF ALL THAT IS, SEEN AND UNSEEN