Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee (http://seasweetie.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dossantos-gen-robert-e-lee.jpg)

This hero was a noble man that many people respected and followed. Throughout his life he was always a leader, had to make hard decisions and was very humble about what he accomplished. He was a brave man that stood up for what he believed. The traits that he has are a perfect example of my ideal hero.

He was born in Virginia in the year of 1807. He loved his country but he showed even more love to his commonwealth, Virginia. After a good education at West Point, and graduating at the very top of his class, he joined the United States Army.

He was very dedicated while serving for his country, then after 32 years of serving he had a big decision to make. Many of the southern states like South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Virginia, and Tennessee were seceding from the Union. Since Lee was such a great leader, the Union wanted him very badly for their fight against the Rebel states. They offered him a huge position as General of the Union Army. This meant a lot to Lee but he says in very famous words, “I will not raise my sword against my own people” therefore siding with the states that are succeeding.

Robert E. Lee with his three sons. (http://mcgrathstudio.com/portraits/lee02.jpg)

While fighting the Union, he made many brave decisions. Some of them worked better than others. One thing in the Civil War that should be noted was the lack of materials that the Confederate army had. This means that General Lee had to use all of what little he and his troops had very wisely.

Robert E. Lee on his horse. (http://www.toptenz.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/robert-e-lee.jpg)

While serving for the Confederate Army he was made General. In this position he had the respect of all of his men because he was a fair leader that made decisions that put other people in front of himself. This is a heroic trait that is not commonly seen; people who are true heroes should have his trait and Robert E. Lee most definitely did.

Overall, Lee is one of my most respected heroes. He would put other people in front of himself, he was extremely generous, stood up for what he believed and respected all of the people around him. I look up to Robert E. Lee and what he accomplished in life and just hope that I can somewhat shadow that.