Webster defines the word “hero” as a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. An illustrious warrior. One who shows great courage.
Having recently watched the movie “13 Hours” I have been thinking about what it means to be a hero. My definition would be someone who for a given period of time, puts aside their ego and focuses only on others who need help. Their only goal is to save, assist or otherwise rescue another human being or living creature. Thoughts of their own safety are replaced with a inexplicable compulsion to save the day.
I would put police officers, firefighters/EMTs and the military in that category just because of their career choice. They are demonstrating with their profession that they are there to serve others and often at their own peril.
I look at my two sons as heroes. My first born is a police officer, currently working for Homeland Security. He is still out on the street when called upon and has done so for many years.
My youngest served in the Marine Corps for eight years including two tours of duty in Iraq. Coming back from there had its own unique set of challenges. I credit his amazing wife for helping him overcome and even thrive.
The men who fought in the attack on the two Benghazi outposts on September 11, 2012 were heroes times ten, some making the ultimate sacrifice. The time they endured was more than most of us will ever know or experience. A very powerful film, “13 Hours” will stay with you for a long time.
Animals can be heroes. We have seen numerous examples, mostly involving dogs (although I did see a video last year of a house cat that chased away a vicious dog who was about to attack a young child on a tricycle). Horses are used in therapeutic settings for people with disabilities, including PTSD.
When you think of heroes, who do you think of? Acts of heroism may not always be front page news. Some are small and perhaps remain hidden. No one ever knows about them except the hero and the person(s) saved.
What about organ donors? Or the person who leads a quiet life until one day an opportunity presents itself to them to make a significant difference? Suicide prevention operators? Teachers, doctors, search and rescue workers?
I’m sure you can make your own list. I have probably forgotten some obvious choices. The point is, whether given the “front page” treatment or not, acts of heroism occur every day in every city of the world. Let us give thanks that these people surround us, share the planet with us and have the selflessness, courage and heart to do the unthinkable.
Long live the heroes!