In the comic books, superheroes always have an iconic emblem that leaves no doubt about who they are.

Superman has the “S.” Batman has the bat symbol. Spiderman has the arachnid design.

Real-world superheroes are a little more incognito, with their hero personas not as distinguishable from their secret identities.

But if these real-life superheroes decided to don some spandex I’m sure most would have a big “M” on their chests. “M” for Mom.

Today is a day that crosses all boundaries, bridges all ethnic or racial backgrounds, overcomes politics and religion and other labels our society so often relies upon.

No matter who you are, we can find common ground in respecting our own mothers, the mothers of our children and all mothers.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day each and every one of us should take a moment to reflect on what our mom or our wives or our grandmothers or some other female figure has meant to us.

Becoming a parent a little more than a year ago has opened my eyes to a whole different world. I have an even greater respect for all mothers, and certainly for my own mom for raising me and my brother.

My wife is a tremendous mom in her own right, tirelessly working and spending time doing all the things that make her a wonderful mommy.

And I especially respect single mothers. Taking care of even one child can be exhausting for us at times, of course outshined by all the joy it brings.

But imagining trying to do this by myself is a scary thought. Now add multiple children and it becomes an even more daunting task. I take my hat off to all single moms who do the right thing and raise their children correctly.

Superman is faster than a speeding bullet. Moms are faster than a runaway toddler. More powerful than a locomotive? Well, maybe not, but certainly stronger than a dirty diaper. And there may not be any leaping of tall buildings in a single bound but hopping around mountains of toys in a darkened house sure is close.

Look! Up early in the mornings. It’s a friend. It’s a hero. It’s a mom!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. You truly are our heroes.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.