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As per the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, the definition of "hero" is:
Main Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural heroes
Etymology: Latin heros, from Greek
Date: 14th century
1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b : an illustrious warrior c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage
2 a : the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b : the central figure in an event, period, or movement
3 plural usually heroes : SUBMARINE 2
4 : an object of extreme admiration and devotion : IDOL
There's also what the Dictionary calls Hero worship defined as follows:
Main Entry: hero worship
Function: noun
Date: 1774
1 : veneration of a hero
2 : foolish or excessive adulation for an individual
After the Events of 9-11-01, the Media, Career Politicians, many of whom never were in the Military (while others made a Career out of being called one). Have promoted the idea of calling anybody, anyone who puts on a Military Uniform, a Hero. Now a days the DoD hands out Medals just for having set foot somewhere.
Gen. Eisenhower wore few Medals and MacArthur often wore None at all. Now I see all over the Media, left and right and all over the place, young military before the age of 30 with 10 yrs of Service wearing more medals than them. Many of them are even Females. So what's up with that?
IMVHO a Hero is someone who saves or tries to save someone else Life at the risk of his/her own life and well being. NOT everyone, NOT everybody who wears a Military Uniform has done that. Actually the records show that Very, very Few did. And Many, many Heroes are and have been Civilians. Others like Policemen, Firemen, EMT's, Nurses, Doctors etc. wear uniforms but NOT Military Uniforms.
Main Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural heroes
Etymology: Latin heros, from Greek
Date: 14th century
1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b : an illustrious warrior c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage
2 a : the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b : the central figure in an event, period, or movement
3 plural usually heroes : SUBMARINE 2
4 : an object of extreme admiration and devotion : IDOL
There's also what the Dictionary calls Hero worship defined as follows:
Main Entry: hero worship
Function: noun
Date: 1774
1 : veneration of a hero
2 : foolish or excessive adulation for an individual
After the Events of 9-11-01, the Media, Career Politicians, many of whom never were in the Military (while others made a Career out of being called one). Have promoted the idea of calling anybody, anyone who puts on a Military Uniform, a Hero. Now a days the DoD hands out Medals just for having set foot somewhere.
Gen. Eisenhower wore few Medals and MacArthur often wore None at all. Now I see all over the Media, left and right and all over the place, young military before the age of 30 with 10 yrs of Service wearing more medals than them. Many of them are even Females. So what's up with that?
IMVHO a Hero is someone who saves or tries to save someone else Life at the risk of his/her own life and well being. NOT everyone, NOT everybody who wears a Military Uniform has done that. Actually the records show that Very, very Few did. And Many, many Heroes are and have been Civilians. Others like Policemen, Firemen, EMT's, Nurses, Doctors etc. wear uniforms but NOT Military Uniforms.
Posted in these groups: 
Military Life
Heroes
Military Life Heroes
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 33
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I am not a hero simply because I volunteered to be a submariner. I am a hero because I somehow raised 3 wonderful children who are all married and never did drugs or go to jail. I am a hero because my son joined the military and became MY hero. I am a hero because my oldest daughter worked her butt off to get a PhD. I am a hero because my youngest is an awesome dancer, artist, and all around hard worker (and my personal coach).
I may be considered a hero by others but they do not know what I did in the military that would make me a hero. I, too, believe it is overused nowdays. I see those who have lost limbs and think about the only thing I lost is my sanity. I keep a tight grip on it.
I may be considered a hero by others but they do not know what I did in the military that would make me a hero. I, too, believe it is overused nowdays. I see those who have lost limbs and think about the only thing I lost is my sanity. I keep a tight grip on it.
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As a veteran of both the US Navy and civilian medical sectors I've never been called a hero. I've given and received more Thank You's than I can remember, though. I feel it is more important to acknowledge with gratitude the contribution of those who volunteer their very lives in protecting and helping others. To be recognized for a selfless act is humbling. To see carnage when you know you have the training and ability to prevent it had you only been 2 minutes earlier....
No, we're not heroes. We're human.
No, we're not heroes. We're human.
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Honestly, I have never been called a hero. And if I were to be called one, I would correct the person and reiterate that I am not a hero. That I am just a small part in the bigger picture.
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I never thought of myself as a hero, I know I have a somewhat colorful record, an every so often I was presented to a situation that humbled me! Every one was what I would think is put in front of me as part of a life that I was in at that time! My military experience an training was helpful throughout my life, an a big part too! Although, I also worked for the Railroad for a lot of years! I raised my hand when a state trooper,said he had been on the force 25 years and had 23 fatalities, has anyone that has been involved in more, YES, I was not trying to out do anyone. I have had the opportunity to bring 2 back to life that got somthing coughing and as I said it was where I was ment to be!!!!! I belive that if I counted all the lives that I have the privilege of touching, and saving , I don't know, its not hardly over yet. But all I can say is the feeling one gets when you are,and being in the same class as a real HERO is verry humbling! !!!! Thank you rallypoint, for asking!!!!!!
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... I am ashamed of that word on me ... Tell it to the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands and children who lost their love one. Me? I am no Hero ... because I am still able to hug my wife and children ..
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SPC Luis Mendez
I don't think you have to feel ashamed but rather a little irritated. Just enough to on the spot, correct and inform the person with respect and gentleness. Those who cannot discern the difference ought to be ashamed of their inability after you educate them.
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PO3 (Join to see)
They will always come back that saying I also sacrificed too. I always ask myself ... sacrificed what? I get a paycheck ... that is my job. Those that don't return ... are the one that sacrificed.
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No. I try to avoid it when I can, as I know there are others far more worthy of that specific title as I see it, than I am.
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No, I was once asked to be in a parade to honor desert storm veterans. I respectfully declined because I was not deployed during desert storm. The people watching from the sidewalk expected to see desert storm veterans. I was in the military during Vietnam and Iraqi Freedom as well but was not deployed to those theaters either so I won't take credit for it. I am not a Hero, just a soldier.
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I've been called hero. Never thought much about it, and certainly never thought so. My wife calls me her hero. That one I'll accept.
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