Firefighters of 9/11

Four of the Fire Fighters who risked their lives

I believe a hero is someone who is a good person who does something good for someone else or helps others before thinking of themselves. I think the three traits that define a hero are strength, determination and loyalty. A hero must be strong because you have to be strong to be considered a hero; it does not have to be physical strength it can also be inner strength. A hero is someone who is trying to set a goal or accomplish a goal by helping others. By being loyal you believe in what you are trying to accomplish. A group of modern day heroes who fit my definition are the firefighters of 9/11. I consider them heroes because they saved some of the people on 9/11, and they risked their lives to do so.

Firefighters on 9/11 showed great strength. As others were fleeing the Twin Towers, firefighters were climbing up the stairs in full equipment to rescue the people who were trapped in the buildings. With them risking their lives to save others, they showed how strong they were. They climbed more than fifty floors through thick black smoke. Many firefighters lost their lives when they went up into the building. This showed the inner strength they had as well as the physical strength.

Determination was shown by the firefighters as they searched the rubble of the Twin Towers 24 hours a day. Even when they were tired, they didn’t stop looking for signs of life. The determination they showed did save many lives. Even though it was a tragedy, for them they continued to do their job of helping others. Firefighters worked their normal shifts at the World Trade Center plus many extra hours. The firefighters also attended funerals and wakes in the days following the initial disaster. Their determination and will to never give up is another reason why I think they are heroes.

Loyalty was shown by them staying loyal to their country. Loyalty and patriotism was displayed that day when three firefighters standing atop nine stories of the smoldering rubble raised the American flag. Also what shows loyalty is that they never gave up. They showed their loyalty by staying true to the reasons for becoming a firefighter. They showed loyalty by never giving up, by helping many people try to escape the burning towers, and by showing their bravery to people who were terrified. I think loyalty is a very important trait to have.

A hero is someone who is brave, determined and shows great strength. As stated by New York police officer Joe Perez, “Bravery is doing what’s needed even if you could get hurt, to help someone else.” On September 11, 343 firefighters and twenty-three police officers died as heroes doing a job they loved, trying to save as many lives as possible. I feel that all of them are heroes for all that they did on 9/11 and in the weeks afterwards. They showed their love and loyalty for the United States. These are the reasons why these men and women are my heroes.