Last sunday, the world lost a great man to a tragic accident. 51 year old Lenny B. Robinson, better known as the Route 29 Batman, was struck down in a highway accident, and was prounounced dead on the scene. Robinson was known for his extremely charitable personality, having spent several thousand dollars on a batman costume and batmobile, and over $25,000 on Batman merchandise and comics, all of which he gave to sick children battling diseases during his countless visits to pediatric wards in the Washington D.C. - Baltimore area.
However, this story is focusing on something more heartwarming than the sad reports of Robinson's death - its about the continuation of his legacy. As many of you know, Robinson was only one of many who devote their time and efforts to bringing joy and hope to sick children under the guise of their favourite superheroes, and another of these inspirational individuals has stepped up to continue Robinson's legacy. John Buckland, a man who goes by the title of The Huntington Batman, fulfilled a promise made by the late Robinson to a boy suffering from bullying at his school.
On sunday, before the tragic events that occurred, Robinson rescued 8-year-old Jacob Brown from a bully. Upon resolving the conflict, Robinson promised young Jacob that he would always be there for him. When Jacob reached out, Buckland carried out Robinson's promise for him, and walked Jacob into school for the first day back, which resulted in an outstanding ovation for both Jacob and Buckland.
Buckland didn't stop there, and he gave the kids attending Dunbar Intermediate School an inspirational that all should look to.
"You don't need superpowers to be Batman, do you understand that? Batman has none. It's all about gadgets and caring for others".
Buckland explained to the students that all across the country is an army of Batmen, all doing the right things, at that every student there could be Batman too, simply by following four basic rules.
"Never give up. Always do the right thing. Help other people. Never be a bully".
Jacob was also extremely delighted when he received a hero's plaque for doing the right thing on Sunday, when he called on the Route 29 Batman when he was punched in the face by a bully, as opposed to resorting to violence himself. But this was nothing compared to when Batman presented him with his very own key to the batmobile. Not one to tease, Buckland then allowed Jacob to sit in the Batmobile and try out the key for himself.
" I thought he was gonna drive off! I was like, no baby, you can't drive off in this thing! It's not ours!" stated Jacob's mother, Mindy.
After this, despite donning over 40 pounds of leather, Kevlar and carbon fiber in the scorching heat of the sun, Buckland took photos with every class at the school. Jacob was so proud, he gladly stated that he is "part of the Batman Army now!". His grandmother said he was so worn out by the day's events, he fell asleep on the lounge immediately when he got home, clutching his key to the batmobile.
Said Buckland, "What happened this weekend with Lenny, the Maryland Batman, and the moment that he had with Jacob. The whole Batman Army and the world needs to be inspired by this".
And inspired us, Buckland has. This was an incredible act by an incredible man, and really shows just how much difference the likes of Buckland and Robinson have made. All our thoughts go out to Lenny B. Robinson's loved ones, and we are all inspired by Buckland's efforts, as well as those by several other inspirational men and women around the world.
You can get in contact with Buckland's organisation, Heroes for Higher, here.