[husky ed]

honoring the heroes of the Columbia

I know this is going to start a flame war, but just why are these people heroes?

Because they died? A lot of people die and don't get called heroes.

I am sadden by their deaths, but in no way are these people heroes.

[ilgipper]

They put their lives at high-risk by participating. In this case, their focus appears to be for scientific advancement. That makes someone a hero.

[The South Park Republican]

You go through what they went through to become an astronaut.

I hate politically correct tags as much as the next guy (Like you, I assume) but on this one, you're off.

Do you think a soldier who is shot by a sniper is a hero? Same kind of deal...He may have done something out of his control to die but it was his choice (And strength and determination) to be there in the first place.

[conservativemusician]

Anyone who is willing to leave Earth to explore space in any way is a hero IMHO

[Smile-n-Win]

I know this is going to start a flame war, but just why are these people heroes?

Because they died? A lot of people die and don't get called heroes.

You raise an interesting question here.

According to my dictionary, a hero is "a man distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility, fortitude, etc." I think astronauts are characterized by both exceptional courage and exceptional fortitude.

Actually, I think there are millions of Americans who fit this definition; in fact, I believe the American nation is a heroic one. (I'm not an American myself, so this is not a self-congratulatory opinion.)

[FReepaholic]

>>...but in no way are these people heroes....<<

You stand underneath that bird on the pad as I have, THEN you make that statement!

ANYBODY that goes up in that bird is a HERO to me.

[SarahW]

They are heroes because the risks of service to their country were so great. They knew they could die serving their country but braved the risk to serve.

That's why they are heroes.

If that's not the definition of heroism, then heroism has no meaning.

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

You asked: ".....but just why are these people heroes? Because they died? A lot of people die and don't get called heroes. I am sadden by their deaths, but in no way are these people heroes."

Webster's Dictionary defines "hero" in part as:

c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage

I think the astonautes qualify as such!