What is a hero?

We all have to agree on the fact that after 9/11 we were constantly asked "What is a hero?" in school more than ever. I know that year after year at one point during the school year I was asked this question as an assignment. Ironically enough many young kids did not answer with super heroes as many people would think, but many would answer with "firefighters" or "soldiers." Why is that? We were taught that these people were heroes after the terrorist attacks because they had saved lives as well as lost their own in attempt to save others. Websters dictionary defines a hero as "a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities," and this is the exact image the Army has built up through their commercials in which they show that exact definition of a hero. Though I cannot disagree that those qualities are heroic I do believe a hero is not only limited to that. A hero can also be someone who is promoting peace. Martin Luther King Jr. can be considered a hero, Rosa Parks is a great representation of a hero. These people did not make a war in order to be heroes, and therefore the image that the Army has created in our heads is not such a good one. These soldiers were manipulated unconsciously into joining this war. They were persuaded by using this archetype of a hero and making sure they knew they would be heroes when they came back. A hero is a very admirable person to be and I can see why people would want to be considered one, however there are more ways to become a hero than joining the Army. What is your definition of a hero?