A Changing View Of Heroism

By Tanjua Damon

The heroes of America’s children have changed since the September 11 tragedy. Heroes are no longer just sports figures, actors, or super heroes. They are the firefighters, police officers, and family members who may have been passed over in the past.

St Rose fourth graders as well as other schools in the area used Halloween as a day to dress up as heroes or people they wanted to honor. It was a day to be a firefighter, police officer, mom, dad, political figure, construction worker, military personnel or medical professional. It was a day to honor those who have always been heroes, but have come out of the shadows in the eyes of children.

St Rose students wrote about heroes in a short creative writing piece they were assigned. The students described what the hero’s life was about and how they made a difference in life. The students wanted to pay tribute to celebrate the unsung heroes because of the tragedy, Mrs VanZanten said.

Megan Meier felt her Irish Dancing teacher Ms Mora was a hero because of the role model she is for her students.

“She’s very hard working,” Megan said. “She’s very creative.”

Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk put a twinkle in Nicholas Martinez’s eye because of his determination.

“He’s been through a lot of injuries and still continued,” Nicholas said. “Heroes are special because they are one of a kind. There’s no one else like them.”

Jonathan Frey honored Army personnel on October 31, but wrote about his mother for his creative writing piece.

“She’s very courageous,” he said. “Whenever I come home she always has a snack ready for me.”

Firefighters, police officers and doctors are big heroes to children now. Their hard work and dedication to the country draw children to be more like them.

Sara Sjoblom dressed up like a doctor, just like her mother. “When I grow up she inspired me to be a doctor,” she said.

Family members are now much more often seen as heroes; their everyday activities more appreciated. Michelle Rahtelli dressed as Jackie Kennedy, but wrote about her grandmother.

“She inspired me to read,” Michelle said. “She’s intelligent, smart, and she likes sports.”

Michelle also felt the firefighters and police exemplified heroism September 11 by helping people they did not know and by putting their lives in danger for the country.

“The firefighters and police are one of them,” she said. “Because they went there. The comforted the families.”

Military personnel were heroes for several of the fourth graders because of their courage and dedication. Michael Kirk dressed as General Patton.

“He was very courageous in battle. He used great tactics,” he said. “My grandfather was in the Third Army under him. He led his men in to battle and wasn’t afraid of anything.”

All the branches of military that are fighting the war on terrorism fall into the realm of heroism for Michael.

The students realize that heroes are found in their communities as well as through out the world. But since September 11 heroism has been found in places that are part of people’s hearts and communities.