Refugees, a portrait of courage

Courage. For many the image of firefighters, soldiers, or police officers comes to mind. An ancient Greek sage argued courage lies between cowardice and confidence. Courageous people act though afraid; act, yet not rashly. Courageous people fear the right things, the right way, for the right reason, at the right time. With Aristotle's words filling my mind, say 'Courage” and I picture refugees.

Targeted in their own country because of who they are or what they believe, refugees left their homes, not wanting to leave, unable to stay. They faced withering torture, wandering militias, warring rebel groups, widening famine. They feared for their lives and for their children. They feared for their religious convictions, political views, or ethnic identity. They feared others snatching away life's most precious gifts, the essence of our humanity – family, belief, identity, freedom. Courage led them to flee, to refuse the way of violence against others in their home country. Often they remained in their country through initial violence and only fled when peace seemed impossible.

Courage compelled them to abandon home and risk the unknown to chance a better future for themselves and their children. Many were murdered or lost along the way. Courage enabled them to seek refuge in a foreign country with little chance of return and fewer prospects of a new home. Courage saw them through the years in a refugee camp. Waiting. Their children grew and married. Still they waited. Courage to see their wait as temporary. The wait continued through multiple interrogations and security screenings to ensure they were not a threat, though they themselves were fleeing the threat. After years their name appeared on the list. Only 1% of refugees will ever make that list and be resettled in Europe or the United States.

In spite of the loss of family and friends, the betrayal by their co-nationals, the bitterness of statelessness, their dared to hope, hope for a better future, a fresh start, a new beginning.

Today, June 20, we celebrate the worldwide day of the refugee. We remember the more than 21 million refugees, co-travelers with us around the sun on spaceship earth. Their courage convicts and inspires. Their experiences humble and chasten. My petty struggles pale when held up to the refugee experience. Real people, other humans who overcame despair, loss, and difficulty. Yet they look to the future and see better days ahead. I am honored that these courageous souls have joined us here in Cedar Rapids and around the country. That same courage will serve them to survive and thrive in this country. Please join me in welcoming and celebrating these newcomers to our country. They enter the land of the free, and now the home of refugees, the brave.

' Caleb Gates lives and works in Cedar Rapids. He has worked with refugees since 2011. Comments: caleb.s.gates@gmail.com