What #AHeroIs

Townhall Staff | January 08, 2016 5:10 PM

Promoted by Paramount Pictures

In anticipation of the upcoming movie 13 Hours and the heroic efforts of the men involved, Katie Pavlich shared her thoughts on what a hero is to her:

Who comes to mind when you hear the word “hero?” Do you think about the police officer patrolling your neighborhood to keep it safe? What about the firefighters down the street? Do you think about the brave men and women who ran into burning buildings on 9/11? How about the men and women selflessly serving in our armed forces overseas? Do you think of the Special Forces who operate in the shadow of night, ridding the world of those who wish to do us harm?

The funny thing about heroes is that they don’t want to be seen. Heroes are the ones who never take the credit and the ones who reject the title even after it is earned. They don’t want to be known. They don’t want people saying their name - and they certainly don’t want to be treated differently than the extraordinary men with whom they serve. They have integrity, honor, dignity, strength and courage and they understand what it means to make sacrifices for a higher calling. Heroes put themselves in harm's way without hesitation, even if doing so was supposed to be someone else’s job.

A hero is someone who isn’t asked to be brave or courageous, but instead someone who steps up to enormous challenges, without asking questions, in the face of potentially deadly consequences. A hero is someone who is willing to sacrifice everything for others - for those they’ve never met and for values we hold close as Americans. A hero is placed under fire and fights to win against all odds. A hero is someone who runs toward battle, not away from it, to help those who cannot help themselves. Heroes do the right thing in the face of danger, when the easiest and safest thing to do is walk away.