National Heroes’ Day – October 8, 2022, history significance
National Heroes’ Day is celebrated each year on October 8 in the United States. Isn’t it a matter of pride to be surrounded by people we can look up to? If asked to define the word ‘hero,’ many of us will list the instances when a person has gone beyond their call of duty.
But being a hero is more than that, it includes having qualities that inspire a person to be stronger, smarter, kinder, and considerate of other people in desperate situations. From the battlefield to your classroom, a hero may inspire change anywhere with their noteworthy actions.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY
National Heroes’ Day has been observed in the United States since 2020. The interesting thing about this observation is, that almost every country around the world celebrates its own version of National Heroes’ Day. People of all cultures have heroes to look up to in the fields of politics, arts and culture, activism, military, and more.
In some cultures, these heroes have played an active role in establishing democracy and removing imperial forces from the country. They have worked hard for their people and celebrating National Heroes’ Day is their people’s way of thanking them and carrying forward their legacy.
But one does not always have to celebrate only national or public heroes. The great news is that we all have heroes in our homes too! A friend who is always there to lend support, a grandmother who always has a kind word to offer, and a teacher who is considerate of her student’s needs are all heroes too. In fact, we encounter many heroes in our day-to-day lives. We should consider ourselves lucky to be surrounded by people who never hesitate to go above and beyond their call of duty.
In the United States, personnel of the police, military, healthcare, education, essential work, and social work are heroes. They help us every day and work tirelessly to make our lives better. Celebrations such as National Heroes’ Day remind us of their invaluable contribution to society and encourage us to honor them
NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY TIMELINE
1930
Civil Disobedience Movement
M.K. Gandhi starts the nonviolent movement to protest against British colonizers in India.
1940
Witold Pilecki
He infiltrates Auschwitz to reveal the horror of concentration camps.
1968
Roy Benavidez
He sustains 37 wounds while saving lives in Vietnam.
1979
Mother Teresa
She wins the Nobel Peace Prize and donates all her money to charity.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY
Celebrate your heroes
Celebrate all the wonderful qualities of your heroes on National Heroes’ Day. Thank them for inspiring you and honor them with gifts, cards, and kind words. Heroes like to feel loved too!
Do something heroic
Why not do something heroic on National Heroes’ Day? Offer to volunteer, donate blood, or organize non-profit drives today. Find ways to contribute in some manner to your community.
Be someone’s hero
National Heroes’ Day is the day to become somebody’s hero! Help a person in need, be there for a friend who needs you, or simply be your own good self. These are all heroic qualities!
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HEROES
Susan B. Antony was fined for voting
She was fined $100 and arrested for voting.
Amelia Earheart was not the first
She was the sixteenth female pilot despite her immense popularity in championing the advancement of women in aviation.
Dolley Madison and the First Lady
The role of the White House hostess was changed to First Lady because of her.
The Wright Brothers were more than inventors
They built their own printing press and bicycles too.
Douglas MacArthur is a war hero
He became the Army’s youngest general at age 45.
WHY NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY IS IMPORTANT
It’s a celebration of goodness
National Heroes’ Day is a celebration of goodness. It reminds us of the goodness that surrounds us and how we are all capable of infinite kindness and goodness. The day rekindles one’s faith in humanity.
It inspires us to be brave
Heroes are those who go above and beyond their call of duty. National Heroes’ Day also inspires us to be brave and go the extra length when we see someone in need.
It’s a day to take action
We often complain of inaction around us and express discontent with the ways of the world. National Heroes’ Day allows us to change that. It encourages us to take charge of our lives and do something good with them.
