For me, and I'm sure other people besides, the word "hero" conjures images of explorers who bravely ventured into the unknown to discover new lands and to walk where no man had walked before them. Man has sailed the seven seas, crossed every ocean, mapped every land mass on this planet. Man has ventured into the heavens and walked on the moon. That leaves the question: what place, if any, do heroes have in the world of today?
Perhaps it would be useful to start with a definition of what a hero is.
A hero can be thought of as a person distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility and fortitude. Having considered this, we can conclude that heroes are still to be found in this world and that they have an important role to play. There has never been a time in the world, nor will there ever be, when people of courage, nobility and fortitude are not needed.
My first thought is of those soldiers who have, or currently are, serving on peacekeeping missions under the UN flag. These men and women have courage, nobility and fortitude. They serve around the world in warzones in an attempt- a brave a bold attempt- to end the senseless slaughter of innocent people. They are serving to preserve the peace in the world's newest country, Kosovo, for example. Their heroic efforts, which serve to impress and inspire people the world over, should be applauded.
Thinking of the newly-born country Kosovo, I am reminded of another class of hero. I think of country-builders. I think of the great men and women who risked and devoted their lives in the hope of achieving freedom for their people. They sacrificed, often even gave their lives, for the cause they so passionately believed in. To them, we owe everything. Today, we enjoy the fruits of their labour. Without them, we would be reaping a bitter harvest.
Not all heroes are immortalised in the history books. Not all heroic acts are on such a large scale. However, it would be foolish to think that to be considered a hero, one must be considered famous. Every person who has cast aside the importance of their own lives to help the more vulnerable should be considered a hero; they are certainly worthy of the title. They are the people who rush into a burning building, or a deep river or a line of fire to save innocent lives. Some of them do these things for a living, day in, day out. They risk their own lives. Their stories should be told, their exploits relived and remembered. There is great inspiration to be derived from their tales.
This brings us to the importance of heroes, for this is not limited to the immediate importance of their actions. Heroism breeds heroism. In a world of ever-increasing materialism and cynicism, heroics bring out the best in people and highlight what is truly important in this world. Heroes are role models who inspire us to lead better lives and refind our love for fellow man. Heroism can dissolve our misgivings in mankind and purify our thoughts and deeds. In this regard, heroism is an eternal force, an infinite loop. Just as there will always be heroes, there will always be a need for heroes.
Heroism transcends typical human divisions; class, nationality, religion. Heroism can be recognised for what it is, and applauded, the world over. Heroism is a testament to the adage "actions speak louder than words."
