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My Hero - The Person I Admire Most

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What Makes a Person a Hero?

A hero can be somebody in the armed forces who wins a medal like the American Medals of Honor pictured here, or the British Victoria Cross or any other other awards and decorations for gallantry in countries around the world.

Although people like the men and women awarded these medals for great courage, usually in the face of the enemy, are the ones we automatically think of when we talk about heroes, there are many other kinds of heroism. It might not be as obvious as taking an enemy position in spite of overwhelming fire or rescuing a fellow soldier at the risk of the person's own life but it can take as much courage and determination.

Here you will find the stories of two heroes in particular, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Then there are links to pages about other people's heroes and the opportunity to submit your own hero to the list near the bottom.

Picture above: In the Public Domain, Source: the United States Government - Found on: Wikipedia

The People Who Quietly Persevere

In public life we can see quiet heroes, those who take a stand on a matter of principle or honour even when it will damage their careers or private life. Then there are those whose spirituality is an inspiration and blessing to everybody who meets them.

Others selflessly care for those people most in need and devote their lives to doing so. Mother Teresa (pictured) is somebody who falls into this category but she also gave practical help to the dying of the Indian city then called Calcutta.

Picture above: In the Public Domain, Source: the United States Government - Found on: Wikipedia

Nelson Mandela

An Acknowledged Hero of Our Time

Nelson Mandela's Prison Cell on Robben Island, South Africa
Copyright © Paul Mannix - Creative Commons License

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for fighting against apartheid in South Africa. He was sentenced in 1962 and was to spend 27 years in jail.

Look at the prison cell in the picture. Can you imagine spending every day of 18 years of your life here? This is the cell in which Nelson Mandela served 18 years of his sentence which included hard labour in a lime quarry. In 1982 he was moved to Pollsmoor Prison, Cape Town where the South African Government offered him freedom in exchange for renouncing the armed struggle against apartheid. His answer was:

"What freedom am I being offered while the organisation of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts."

Without compromising his principles, Nelson Mandela was released in February 1990. After negotiations, the first full, free elections including people of all races, were held in on April 27, 1994 which led to Mandela becoming President.

In spite of everything he, his family and friends suffered under apartheid and his 27 long years of imprisonment, he has been a force for reconciliation in South Africa. He never put his own freedom above his principles or later used his power and influence to wreak revenge on those who were instrumental in maintaining the apartheid regime. Additionally, his has been a voice of peace in other difficult and dangerous situations in other countries.

He has received awards in recognition for his heroism from all around the world, not least the Nobel Peace Prize. Nelson Mandela must be one of the greatest heroes of our times.

Nelson Mandela with President Bill Clinton in 1993

Nelson Mandela and President Bill Clinton in July 1993
In the Public Domain, Source: the United States Government, from Wikipedia

Long Walk to Freedom

The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

by: Nelson Mandela

Amazon Price: $9.00 (as of 02/13/2012)

The amazing story of Nelson Mandela in his own words, and he writes about his faults as well as his achievements. On Amazon.com, 105 people have given the book five stars.

Also available from Amazon.co.uk

"True heroism is remarkably sober,

very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost,
but the urge to serve others at whatever cost."

Arthur Ashe

See an Interview with Mahatma Gandhi

A rare chance to hear and see Gandhi speaking.

Unsung Heroes

Is Your Father Your Hero?

For many of us, our families can provide us with our personal heroes. Their patience and perseverance, the quiet way they live their lives putting the interests of their children above everything else.

A Father, A Hero

by: James C. Dobson

Amazon Price: $5.00 (as of 02/13/2012)

"Confidently, humbly, faithfully. A father often serves behind the scenes. But younger generations are watching, and his example sets the course for a bright future. His role is irreplaceable, his leadership commendable. He's a commonplace hero deserving nothing short of noble recognition." Amazon.com's product description

Also available from Amazon.co.uk

"Heroism is the brilliant triumph of the soul over the flesh,

that is to say over fear:
fear of poverty, of suffering,
of calumny, of illness,
of loneliness and of death."

Henri Frederic Amiel

Spiritual Heroes

They Inspire Us

Our spiritual heroes can be people we know personally or just by reputation. They provide us with a moral compass and their spirituality is a great example to us when looking for meaning in our own lives. Spiritual leaders can come from any religion or nationality and they may inspire people all round the world with their goodness and spirituality.

Eight Spiritual Heroes

by Brennan R. Hill

8 Spiritual Heroes: Their Search for God

by: Brennan R. Hill

Amazon Price: $10.50 (as of 02/13/2012)

Here are eight spiritual heroes to give you hope and inspiration when you have read their stories.

Also available from Amazon.co.uk

Do You Have a Hero?

Vote for them here or add them to the list.

1

Vote Up

Nelson Mandela

5 points

2

Vote Up

Mahatma Gandhi

4 points

3

Vote Up

Mother Teresa

4 points

4

Vote Up

Sandy Mertens

My latest Squidoo hero!1 point

5

Vote Up

Alex Jones

0 points

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Heroes in the News

Heroic Acts and Lives are Still With Us

Heroes are closeby, Army soldier says at Killingly ceremony: Harding, who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq, gave a certificate of appreciation to his great-uncle, 92-year-old retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Tom Mazzarella, during a ceremony Sunday at the Williamsville Fire Engine Co. headquarters in the ...
Fallen Heroes Project: Edmonds' Michael Reagan Completes Portrait of Californian: A Beaumont native who was killed in action in Afghanistan is now remembered in a portrait by a nationally known artist on display at Jack's Fine Art & Framing on East Sixth Street. Army Spc. Michael Dahl Jr. was born at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital ...
THT Heroes : Climax Lawrence - India's Midfield General: In 2002 Climax was selected to be a part of the Indian team camp for the first time by the then national coach Stephen Constantine and made his debut for the national team against Afghanistan in a group match in SAFF cup 2003 and since then has never ...
Local man organizes benefit for SEALs: He was also a genuine American hero, serving as a member of the elite Navy SEALs. In perhaps the worst day of America's fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, Aug. 6, 2011, Bill and 21 other members of the Navy SEALs died when their CH-47 Chinook ...

Any Comments?

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Edutopia Feb 14, 2012 @ 11:40 am | delete

Nice lens. We for sure should take more time to recognize the unsung heroes in our lives.

Reply

match99 Nov 3, 2011 @ 10:17 pm | delete

great lens

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momsfunny May 27, 2011 @ 10:50 pm | delete

Nice lens. A hero is someone that inspires people. Someone who is a good role model. Someone you love.

Reply

prosperity66 Feb 14, 2011 @ 10:10 am | delete

I just couldn't resist and this angel on Squidoo re-blessed this amazing lens!

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Philippians468 Feb 2, 2011 @ 10:36 am | delete

Jesus Christ is my God and Hero! cheers

Reply

scar4 Jan 27, 2011 @ 9:37 pm | delete

Your lens reminds me of the most common heros around us, they're our parents!

Reply

kt_glasses Jan 16, 2011 @ 9:29 pm | delete

very well-written lens!

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kimmanleyort Nov 11, 2010 @ 3:43 pm | delete

Two of my personal heroes too. I am blessing lenses about inspiring people today and this sure fits the bill. ** Blessed **

Reply

paul101239 Oct 24, 2010 @ 6:59 pm | delete

its hero time!:)

Reply

Ramkitten Mar 12, 2010 @ 10:59 am | delete

This is a wonderful lens in every way. It really makes me think about who my heroes are, past and present. Oscar Schindler comes to mind (remember Schindler's List?) But there are SO many more, both famous and very much unknown.
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