Heroes and Icons, who are they?

As we approach the 5th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, we are reminded that Heroes and Icons, regardless of their background, have much in common.

During the aftermath of the 9-11 World Trade Center, Pentagon, and United Flight 93 attacks, we mourned our losses and identified our Heroes. Firefighters, Paramedics, Police Officers, and bystanders rushed to the aid of those in need regardless of the hazards involved. Many never made it home.

What was it about these individuals that seared our memories and secures a place in the history of our minds? What builds an Icon and makes an individual a Hero, larger that life itself?

A recent tribute to Steve Irwin "Crocodile Hunter" gives us a clue into this phenomenon. The tributes to Steve echo the tributes given to those individuals who generously and lovingly gave their lives for those never met on September 11, 2001.

Words carry an enormous impact and can describe people in ways capable of painting a picture of the person in full living color. The words capture the heart and integrity found deep within that individual’s soul. There is a common group of words that are consistently used to describe the Heroes and Icons in our lives...

Selfless, Passionate, Caring, Concerned, Spirited, Devoted, and Dedicated all roll freely from our tongues when we bestow this honor upon these individuals. They all carry a devotion to others that death itself cannot steal. They rarely look at themselves as "Unique" or "Special", though they are.

A Firefighters daughter once asked her father why he had to leave for work on Christmas and miss the entire holiday. The grown man, with tears in his eyes looked down, grabbed the little girl and looked her straight in the eye. With a strong yet gentle voice he calmly replied, "If I don't go to work to help save someone else's little girl, no one will be there to help save mine..."

With that he calmly kissed her goodbye, grabbed his gear and left for work.

As I watch the replays of that fateful day on September 11, 2001, watching the Firefighters and Police Officers walking into the towers as others walked out, I can't help but admire their Selflessness, Dedication, Spirit, Devotion, and Passion.

Heroes' and Icons, truly larger than life....


Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tags: LA, Los Angeles, LAFD, Los Angeles Fire Department, Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter