The Founding Fathers, Richard the Lionheart, Alexander the Great, etc....all are now considered suspect because they weren't perfect.
However, in the situations in which they overcame they were so superior to other men that they can justifiably be put on a pedestal. If our kids study them in the context of their historical situation they will get inspired. The liberals don't want that to happen because multiculturalism would be no more.
There is a perfect hero. Jesus, the Christ.
Talk about death defying acts. Our imperfect heros are all images in various qualities of Him.