What is a “Hero”?

When people think of heroes they are likely to think of presidents, or cartoon characters. Some people think of their favorite football player.Others have more simple heroes, such as the local policeman or fireman. Few people actually stop to consider what heroism really is.

True heroes don’t “leap tall buildings in a single bound” as Superman does.Nevertheless, Superman is considered a fictional hero because he saves people from impending disaster. One wonders whether Superman would be so quick to rescue those in need if he were a mere human.

Heroes are not heroes just because they are elected president, although some presidents may be heroes. George Washington could be considered a hero because he led an inexperienced army against the mighty military of England. His actions have helped secure a better future for us all.

People who speak well in public are not necessarily heroes, either – although some public speakers have become heroes. You must ask yourself if you think George Bush isa hero because he made a great State of the Union Speech, or is he a hero because he freed the Iraqi people?

The local fireman who goes to work every day to put out fires is not a hero simply because he is a fireman. He is a hero because he risks his lifeto save those who put themselves in danger’s way. And, those firemen who left their homes and traveled thousands of miles just to help the 9/11 victims in New York City are heroes, indeed.

Heroes are made through action, not position. Heroes are those special people who are worth emulating, because they take no thought to the safety of their own lives when they reach out to others. They are the soldiers who throw themselves on grenades to savesomeone’s life. They are the men who lead a nation to change at the cost of a bullet in thehead. They are the ones who throw your child out of the street when a car is sure to hit them. Heroes are heroic because they are willing to make sacrifices to ensure the safety of others, without hesitation, and without thought to their own well-being.

Heroism is the ultimate act of unselfishness.