We need heroes these days
By
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To the editor:
The other day, as I read of the successful landing of Polish Airline LOT flight LO16, a thought occurred to me. The comments in the blog which followed the story were understandably full of richly deserved congratulations for Captain Tadeusz Wrona and First Officer Jerzy Szwarc for executing a greaser of a landing that bested many I've seen with the gear extended, let alone tucked away in the wells.
All souls on board were safe. One blogger commented that Capt. Wrona and 1st Officer Szwarc are Poland's Sullenberger & Skiles (see Hudson River landing, also with all souls safe).
Both crews were lauded as heroes. Then as now, some complain that they were just doing what they were trained to do and that the word "hero" gets "thrown around too much."
Well, I agree that both of those highly skilled crews were indeed doing what they were trained to do. The fact of the matter is, they did it just exactly right, given the circumstances.
My point: These flight crews, along with countless other people from various walks of life remain anonymous until such time as they are called upon to do extraordinary things. The dictionary defines "hero" as: "One admired for their achievements and noble qualities." Also, "One who shows great courage."
I submit to you that perhaps we don't use the word "hero" enough. There are many people who accept roles in life that could cost them dearly. Look at our military, law enforcement officers, firefighters and countless others that would, if needed, lay down their lives for others or perform tasks that save lives and prevent tragedies. We just don't see them or hear of them until something happens that draws attention to their skills and deeds.
I think we are surrounded by silent heroes every day. You can recognize them as the ones who don't have to tell you how great they are. They just quietly go about their daily business. Are these two flight crews and supporting CFR crews heroes?
I'll bet there are several hundred families out there who had loved ones aboard that would say they are. We need heroes these days. There are plenty of potential ones out there among us.
The neat thing is, most just say something like "I was just doing my job like any one of us would do." I agree with the saying "Those who have the most to brag about, usually brag the least" and vice-versa. So lets recognize the world's heroes. We need them. One day one may touch our life, if one hasn't already.
Sincerely,
Michael Tieman
Hillsboro[[In-content Ad]]
The other day, as I read of the successful landing of Polish Airline LOT flight LO16, a thought occurred to me. The comments in the blog which followed the story were understandably full of richly deserved congratulations for Captain Tadeusz Wrona and First Officer Jerzy Szwarc for executing a greaser of a landing that bested many I've seen with the gear extended, let alone tucked away in the wells.
All souls on board were safe. One blogger commented that Capt. Wrona and 1st Officer Szwarc are Poland's Sullenberger & Skiles (see Hudson River landing, also with all souls safe).
Both crews were lauded as heroes. Then as now, some complain that they were just doing what they were trained to do and that the word "hero" gets "thrown around too much."
Well, I agree that both of those highly skilled crews were indeed doing what they were trained to do. The fact of the matter is, they did it just exactly right, given the circumstances.
My point: These flight crews, along with countless other people from various walks of life remain anonymous until such time as they are called upon to do extraordinary things. The dictionary defines "hero" as: "One admired for their achievements and noble qualities." Also, "One who shows great courage."
I submit to you that perhaps we don't use the word "hero" enough. There are many people who accept roles in life that could cost them dearly. Look at our military, law enforcement officers, firefighters and countless others that would, if needed, lay down their lives for others or perform tasks that save lives and prevent tragedies. We just don't see them or hear of them until something happens that draws attention to their skills and deeds.
I think we are surrounded by silent heroes every day. You can recognize them as the ones who don't have to tell you how great they are. They just quietly go about their daily business. Are these two flight crews and supporting CFR crews heroes?
I'll bet there are several hundred families out there who had loved ones aboard that would say they are. We need heroes these days. There are plenty of potential ones out there among us.
The neat thing is, most just say something like "I was just doing my job like any one of us would do." I agree with the saying "Those who have the most to brag about, usually brag the least" and vice-versa. So lets recognize the world's heroes. We need them. One day one may touch our life, if one hasn't already.
Sincerely,
Michael Tieman
Hillsboro[[In-content Ad]]