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The moral structure in which the world was built upon has defined good and evil. The evils of genocide, terrorism, and war have allowed extraordinary individuals to emerge from the crowds of ordinary people. Tragedies have shined a beam of light upon those who are empathetic and are willing to make sacrifices. They may not come in a bold red cape, a fancy, top of the line bat mobile, or carry a hammer and command the skies, but they carry actions that are justifiable and righteous. Heroes are individuals who act on their own moral beliefs displaying selflessness and self-sacrifice.
History books define heroes as people like Gandhi or President Eisenhower. Although inspiring and eminent heroes are appreciated, it is not necessary to save a country or win a war in order to be hero. While a donation to a children’s hospital may not brand you on the forehead with the word hero, it does not make you any less of a hero to those who benefit from your generosity. It is the small, seemingly trivial acts of kindness that represent the most common and overlooked kind of heroes, everyday heroes. They are not public figures. They are not obvious role models. They blend in with the mass of people you see at church on Sunday. They may or may not be wearing a uniform or be running in and out of burning buildings. They are human and they are fallible. But they possess compassion, affection, and courage to set aside their own insecurities and fears in order to do good for others, to do what they feel is right.
If you were to ask me who I admire most, I would say the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon. If you were to ask me who my hero was, I would say Dad. My dad is not perfect. He has his own set of problems as does every entity existing on this Earth. I do not particularly admire the way he manages his life nor am I proud that he struggles with finances. However, it is Dad who took me to the boardwalk when I needed relief from the evil that is school work. It is Dad who tries his best to make me smile with nonessential, material gifts that I beg for despite knowing his financial circumstances. It is Dad who is the first person to ask me “What’s wrong?” when I appear glum. He as an individual has personally contributed to my life more than Mr. Ban ever will. It is my Dad that selflessly took care of my every need and did what a father should do, nurture and love.
Heroism does not need to be acknowledged by many. Its existence becomes the weight on the other side of the balance that lifts up corruption and crime. To those that displayed great courage during the tragedy that was September 11 showing the world the strength of humanity in times of peril. Thank you.
History books define heroes as people like Gandhi or President Eisenhower. Although inspiring and eminent heroes are appreciated, it is not necessary to save a country or win a war in order to be hero. While a donation to a children’s hospital may not brand you on the forehead with the word hero, it does not make you any less of a hero to those who benefit from your generosity. It is the small, seemingly trivial acts of kindness that represent the most common and overlooked kind of heroes, everyday heroes. They are not public figures. They are not obvious role models. They blend in with the mass of people you see at church on Sunday. They may or may not be wearing a uniform or be running in and out of burning buildings. They are human and they are fallible. But they possess compassion, affection, and courage to set aside their own insecurities and fears in order to do good for others, to do what they feel is right.
If you were to ask me who I admire most, I would say the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon. If you were to ask me who my hero was, I would say Dad. My dad is not perfect. He has his own set of problems as does every entity existing on this Earth. I do not particularly admire the way he manages his life nor am I proud that he struggles with finances. However, it is Dad who took me to the boardwalk when I needed relief from the evil that is school work. It is Dad who tries his best to make me smile with nonessential, material gifts that I beg for despite knowing his financial circumstances. It is Dad who is the first person to ask me “What’s wrong?” when I appear glum. He as an individual has personally contributed to my life more than Mr. Ban ever will. It is my Dad that selflessly took care of my every need and did what a father should do, nurture and love.
Heroism does not need to be acknowledged by many. Its existence becomes the weight on the other side of the balance that lifts up corruption and crime. To those that displayed great courage during the tragedy that was September 11 showing the world the strength of humanity in times of peril. Thank you.
