What is the criteria for a "hero"? Do we throw the term around so loosely that it has lost any real meaning?

A hero is that "other guy" in my opinion. We all do heroic things in our lives but a true hero never takes or wants credit for it.

It is unfortunate to accept the fact that once both wars kicked off it was politicians that were the first to over use the term Heroes for political gains which was followed by business for financial gain.

Hi, Major Zeski.
"A hero is a victim of circumstance. In that moment, he longs to be an honest coward like everyone else." - Umberto Eco.