Posted on Oct 25, 2015
SPC Luis Mendez
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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.
Posted in these groups: Tumblr static tumblr mtb09amgp11s0247uo1 1280 Military LifeUs military shields Heroes
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 33
Capt Seid Waddell
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No. It takes away from the real heroes to over-use the term.
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SPC Luis Mendez
SPC Luis Mendez
9 y
Agree 1000%!!
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SPC Luis Mendez
SPC Luis Mendez
9 y
Thanks to all who have contributed to the tread! Based on your replies, what's already known and have been said. I can safely conclude that this whole "hero" thing just for wearing a Military Uniform, is being promoted by the Media, Politicians, Businesses, any and all who stand to gain something from it; Not by the immense majority of the troops themselves. Though there appears to be a slim minority who do. It's a well known "Secret" and that's good to know!
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CPT Physician Assistant
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I am uncomfortable at the idea of being called that, as I don't feel I have made a significant enough contribution to warrant such an honor. I am uncomfortable when people thank me for my service or try to pay for a meal - I volunteered to serve, I don't feel I make a sacrifice. I just thank then for their support and go on about my day. People who enjoy being called a hero for serving are doing it for the wrong reasons. Even Sal Giunta has said he doesn't like it, because being a "hero" and MoH recipient means his buddies aren't coming home.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
9 y
CPT (Join to see), this thread is similar to one from sometime ago. Here's what I wrote then, and I still like it. It's from a real life interview with Dick Winters (Band of Brothers) where he quotes Mike Ranney on how Ranney answered a question his grandson once asked him. "I treasure my remark to my grandson who asked, 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' Grandpa said, 'No... but I served in a company of heroes'". SFC Mark Merino SPC Luis Mendez Capt Seid Waddell
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CPT Physician Assistant
CPT (Join to see)
9 y
LTC Stephen C. - Band of Brothers should be required viewing for all service members. I wish I would have thought to ask my grandfathers about their service when they were alive, but I was too young to appreciate what they could have told me.
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SPC Luis Mendez
SPC Luis Mendez
9 y
LTC Stephen C. - Yes it must have been before I started posting here in AT about a month ago. I saw similar titled threads but not exactly the same wording.
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SSgt Bill Harris
SSgt Bill Harris
9 y
I agree with LTC Curlee, I am also uncomfortable when people refer to me as a hero. I server honorably for eight years but I was never in combat. I just did my job.
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SFC Mark Merino
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I believe that only those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice would appreciate being called a hero. Well, except someone who gets insanely airbrushed on the cover of Vanity Fair. There is a profound sense of humility when it comes to the armed forces. Those that I have met who appear to 'embellish' their service are usually full of S!@#. They are usually found with a drink in their hand.
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SPC Luis Mendez
SPC Luis Mendez
9 y
Appreciate your comments!
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