What defines a hero? Is it a person without fear? A person who, despite the odds, knows he/she will emerge successful in a dire situation? A person who is always prepared to do the right thing?
To me, none of these descriptions matches the definition of the word hero. To me, the definition of the word hero is just the opposite. To me, a hero is a person faced with impossible fear. A person who has no idea what the outcome of the situation will be but embraces the challenge nonetheless. A person who is not prepared but wills himself/herself into action.
On September 11, 2001, Welles R. Crowther died when the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.
In the face of total chaos, he defied fear and put the safety of others ahead of his own. Uncertain whether or not he or any of the people he was leading to safety would survive, he did not falter. Nobody was prepared for this tragedy, and he was no exception. But it didn’t matter. He willed himself to do whatever he possibly could to save his fellow citizens.
He saved more than a dozen people that day. Because of him, a dozen lives could continue. A dozen families could remain intact.
Though losing this incredible young man was an absolute tragedy, in his brave demise, Welles gave us something that no extremist threat can ever take away. A symbol of courage and hope. A symbol that can’t be killed. A statement shouting at the top of its lungs:
“We are the United States of America. Do your worst, but we will not weaken. We will not be scared into submission. We will fight until our last breath for what is right.“
Welles. R. Crowther is a hero.
I strongly encourage you to watch this video. It is a tad long, but I promise it is worth it.