The Altoona High School class 1963 will celebrate their 80th birthdays on Aug. 2.

The Friday before, a group of graduates will get together at Finelli’s Italian Villa. When I come home, I like to go to Finelli’s; it is so friendly and hospitable.

Growing up I really didn’t know Frank Finelli since he is younger. He told me once that when he played football for Roosevelt the ’62 football team were his heroes. It never entered my mind that we were heroes. Looking back, I do remember that the older players at the high school were also my hero’s when I played for Roosevelt.

I am sure the Keith players felt the same way.

I still remember Ed Flanagan taking the time to teach me how to be a long snapper when I was in ninth grade. He didn’t know it, and I never told him that he was my hero.

The moral of the story is that you don’t have to look too far in life to find or be a hero.

When I retired after 25 years as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, a young trooper showed up at my door with tears in his eyes and said, “Corporal my heroes are all gone.”

In life, you don’t have to wear a cape or mask to be a hero. Thank you to the City of Altoona, and the great high school, for providing the heroes in my life.

Danny R. McKnight

Butler