Comments - On Memorial Day, This Vet Asks 'What Is A Hero?' - The Wild Geese2024-03-19T09:28:56Zhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profiles/comment/feed?attachedTo=6442157%3ABlogPost%3A94959&xn_auth=noNeil, we'll have to agree to…tag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-05-31:6442157:Comment:953872014-05-31T02:57:29.774ZThe Wild Geesehttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/TheWildGeese
<p>Neil, we'll have to agree to disagree. If we call people like myself heroes we've devalued the word. Or we have to come up with some new word to describe those who demonstrate the extraordinary courage of people like Lt Murphy or LCpl Gallagher.</p>
<p>Neil, we'll have to agree to disagree. If we call people like myself heroes we've devalued the word. Or we have to come up with some new word to describe those who demonstrate the extraordinary courage of people like Lt Murphy or LCpl Gallagher.</p> Joe,
I totally agree with you…tag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-05-31:6442157:Comment:955562014-05-31T01:46:09.109ZTom McGrathhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/TomMcGrath
Joe,<br />
I totally agree with your position. I'm a bit older than you but share the same uniform. The word is losing it's true meaning and that is not defined in any dictionary, which are only authorities on spelling anyway. Everyone in a theater of conflict is not being heroic and in my opinion thinking that takes away the luster of the real hero's extraordinary action and selfless performance at the risk of possible death.<br />
Semper Fi
Joe,<br />
I totally agree with your position. I'm a bit older than you but share the same uniform. The word is losing it's true meaning and that is not defined in any dictionary, which are only authorities on spelling anyway. Everyone in a theater of conflict is not being heroic and in my opinion thinking that takes away the luster of the real hero's extraordinary action and selfless performance at the risk of possible death.<br />
Semper Fi I'd agree with you there, Nei…tag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-05-28:6442157:Comment:951752014-05-28T19:46:29.186ZRyan O'Rourkehttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/RyanORourke
<p>I'd agree with you there, Neil. The definition of a hero is far more broad than we might think. I understand the sentiment of wanting to reserve that term for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but as Neil has said, it need not be limited to that.</p>
<p>Obviously, everyone is free to use the word "hero" as they see fit, but I don't see a problem in using it for anyone who has displayed unusual courage. I think, in most cases, serving in combat is indeed heroic.</p>
<p>Now, calling an…</p>
<p>I'd agree with you there, Neil. The definition of a hero is far more broad than we might think. I understand the sentiment of wanting to reserve that term for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but as Neil has said, it need not be limited to that.</p>
<p>Obviously, everyone is free to use the word "hero" as they see fit, but I don't see a problem in using it for anyone who has displayed unusual courage. I think, in most cases, serving in combat is indeed heroic.</p>
<p>Now, calling an athlete a "hero" ... that's a different story.</p> Joe, I think you are selling…tag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-05-28:6442157:Comment:953052014-05-28T00:09:03.904ZNeil F. Cosgrovehttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/NCosgrove
<p>Joe, I think you are selling yourself short. Per the Dictionary a Hero is defined as " a person<span> who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage" title="Courage"></a><span>and the will for self-sacrifice</span><span>—that is, heroism—for some greater good </span><span>of all humanity. </span>" While I agree that there is a tendency to over use "Hero" (and similarly the word "Victim" as been…</p>
<p>Joe, I think you are selling yourself short. Per the Dictionary a Hero is defined as " a person<span> who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage" title="Courage"></a><span>and the will for self-sacrifice</span><span>—that is, heroism—for some greater good </span><span>of all humanity. </span>" While I agree that there is a tendency to over use "Hero" (and similarly the word "Victim" as been unfairly stigmatized), I think anyone who served their nation deservedly fits into the definition above.</p>
<p>As to Lt Murphy or LCpl Gallagher, they are examples of a greatness of spirit that transcends the ability of even words to describe and show the nobility that humanity is capable of.</p> I appreciate this perspective…tag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-05-27:6442157:Comment:951452014-05-27T16:35:10.445ZGerry Reganhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/ger_regan
<p>I appreciate this perspective, Joe. It articulates something I've believed for many years.</p>
<p>I appreciate this perspective, Joe. It articulates something I've believed for many years.</p>