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not to be cliched, but:
hero n. (plural heroes ) : c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage (Merriam-Webster)
I think, in the traditional sense, that hero is in the eye of the beholder. Who doesnt think giving up a life of wealth and fame to fight anonymously (well, at least as he wanted) and eventually die because he felt he could give more of himself? Pat Tillman is a hero to 99.9999% of the people in America, safely said (with the occasional 'journalist' detractor).
Theres also a difference between being a hero and dying a hero. Had Pat Tillman lived to come home and retire from service, I still believe hed be considered a hero to some, if not as many. Conversely, a lifelong coward who jumps on a grenade to save others, I would say, died heroically. Both could be remembered as heroes, but would also bring doubts. Would Tillman have made the ultimate sacrifice? (now, sadly, we know) Does one act make up for a life of draft dodging and hiding in a foreign country, not for personal beliefs, but just for fear of combat?
'I suppose there are two reasons for considering someone a hero: dying nobly for a cause, or living humbly for one.' (quoted, cant find who actually said it)
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