Heroism What makes a true hero? This is something today’s society often struggles to identify, as there are numerous things that define heroism. Yet a hero is commonly known to strive to surpass expectations and be better before. Therefore, heroism means stepping up and taking action when it is most needed, and staying determined while trying to achieve an ultimate boon; although not all heroes are honored with the fame and glory that people see now. To begin with, heroes step up in times of extreme need, even when it means putting the needs of others above their own. For example, “The Man in the Red Bandana” is a documentary film that describes Wells Crowther. Wells helped to lead multiple people to safety as soon as the twin towers were…show more content… There he saved one more person. However, that was the last person that he would interact with before the towers collapsed, taking Wells’ life along with them. In this case, Wells did the unthinkable, and made the ultimate sacrifice for others, demonstrating heroism in plain sight. Although the loss of his life was mourned, “The thought of his dying was overwhelmed by the way in which he died, by saving others.” (Kevin Eullen). In addition, a man who not only put others before himself, but did so passionately, was Abraham Lincoln. According to a White House Funeral Sermon for Abraham Lincoln by Dr.Phineas Gurley, Lincoln represented and defended his cause of freedom for all, “...not for himself only, not for us only, but for all people in their coming generations.” Gurley continues on to explain that although Lincoln died in the process of achieving the matter in which he fought for, his actions were selfless enough to be remembered forever. Not all heroes survive their road of trials, but the end…show more content… Instead, they are often the everyday people who go unnoticed, or work behind the scenes. For instance, a featurette entitled Boatlift follows Vincent Ardolino, a normal New York City man. According to the film, Ardolino was at home watching the burning buildings of 9/11 on TV. He then said, “I gotta do something,” kissed his wife goodbye, and dashed to his charter boat. He among many others assisted in evacuating the city of Manhatten during the moments proceeding the 9/11 attacks. According to Ardolino, “First responders will always do their best to assist us. But in real life, success or failure in our moments of need is usually determined by the actions of regular people.” Heroes don’t always have to be “the celebrity” to have accomplished greatness. Similarly, Brian Wood, a soon to be father, swirved his car when on the freeway one day. Because of this, he took the blow of an oncoming driver and inevitably perished, but spared his pregnant wife the brunt of it. “Of course Brian’s sacrifice is typical of him,” stated his wife, Erin Wood, “He cranked the steering wheel without even thinking.” Even though Brian’s actions were those which many people would not take upon themselves to do, he isn’t considered an honorary war hero, or won’t be inducted into any hall of fame. Instead, Brian will be remembered through the life of his wife, and newborn child. Furthermore, heroes may not recieve the cognizance they
