When you hear the word, "hero", you probably think of Superman or Batman. They are heroes, but did you know that there are modern day heroes? Modern day heroes don't have the ability to fly or wear capes, but they help make the world a better place. That's what makes them a hero.

Nelson Mandela is a hero to me. He risked his life to fight for freedom for his people. He was put in jail many times, but he never gave up. He was brave, courageous, and he fought for what he thought was right. He spent many years in prison, but he never stopped protesting and fighting. He lived to see the country of South Africa free from apartheid and sanctions. On May 10, 1994, he became South Africa's first president.

Martin Luther King Jr. is also a hero to me. He fought for racial equality and justice. He led his people in many protests. He also organized many boycotts. He possessed the qualities of courage and bravery. He made a very famous speech at the Lincoln Memorial named, " I Have a Dream ". Over 200,000 people attended the speech. He did not live to see his dream put in action. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 on a balcony of a motel.

You don't have to possess superhero qualities to be a hero. Modern day heroes possess the qualities of courage, bravery, honesty, and they have to be compassionate. There are many heroes that live among us every day. You may not recognize them, but they are ordinary people who do good deeds every day.