The Modern Day Hero
Yuri de Souza

Loyalty, honour, valour and sacrifice – these were the qualities that set apart ancient Greek and Roman heroes. They were warriors who undertook arduous journeys, confronted mythical creatures, and transformed the world with their acts of courage and selflessness. These legendary figures, endowed with immense strength of character, vision and fortitude, dared to heed the call for action and adventure. Every generation has had its fair share of heroes. In this modern world of today, we continue to admire and exalt individuals who avidly exhibit these virtues characteristic of ancient heroes.

Soon after the first hijacked aircraft collided with one of the 110-storey twin skyscrapers at Manhattan on September 11, 2001, Fire Chief Peter Ganci was leading his men into the scene of the disaster. He soon established command at the foot of the south tower. However, his experience, intuition, and foresight quickly warned him of the tower’s instability. He immediately ordered his men to withdraw and head north. A majority of his fire-fighters were inside the tower implementing rescue operations and could not hear his command. Apprehensive that their lives were at stake, Chief Ganci rushed into the tower and raised an alarm. His men made it out alive, but he was destined never to see the light of day again. In the ruins of the September 11 tragedy lay the disfigured cadaver of a modern day hero.

The ancient concept of heroism has undergone transformation over centuries past. However, its basic tenets continue to remain valid. Chief Ganci, in endangering his life to save those of his men, proved his loyalty to them and society. We see a similar example in Hector, the Prince of Troy. He fought valiantly, and not even death at the hands of a mighty foe – Achilles – could rob him of his honour and loyalty towards his people (The Iliad – l.384 - l.388). Chief Ganci took complete responsibility for the lives of men in his fire-fighting squad. He was responsible for them and to them in the same way Hector was to his fellow Trojans. Thus, the ancient heroic ideal of loyalty has prevailed to this day.

It is attributed to their great strength of character that war heroes have put up impressive fights on the battlefield, risking their very lives. Chief Ganci rushed into the crumbling tower in the same radiant disposition as ancient war heroes rode into battle. He did not stop to think twice of his own safety. He set himself on a mission, and its successful completion he valued even greater than his own life. Virgil’s Aeneid describes another such hero who did not let death impede his advance. In gleaming armour, and with the swiftness of an eagle did warring Turnus take to the battlefield (The Aeneid – Book VII l.1076 – l.1083). He was a glorified hero who feared nothing. Valour, bravery and courage marked his character, as they still do the heroes of today.

Despite the above similarities in ancient and modern portrayal of the ideal hero, over the ages, a fine distinction has emerged. Bravery, loyalty, self-sacrifice, and the call of duty are valid, but not sufficient conditions for being recognized a hero in today’s world. It is for this reason that we no longer glorify warriors for taking great risks in killing the greatest number of opponents on the battlefield, nor do be exalt suicide bombers even though they too exhibit courage and self-sacrifice. Ancient heroes would be prepared to die for a cause they believed in, but rarely would they risk their lives for the well-being of others. The Battle of Troy wholly affirms this view. The battle was fought over a single individual – Helen. Thousands of warriors willingly gave up their lives for a cause they stood by. But they did not sacrifice themselves for the welfare of others and the community at large. In modern society however, we prize and glorify life. It is also considered today far more moral to sacrifice a single life than to imperil the lives of many others. The modern day hero is consequently one who, beyond displaying courage, presence of mind and call of duty, is prepared to risk his life for his fellow men. Like Christ said in the Bible, “The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them.” (The Holy Bible – John, 15:13), Chief Ganci lost his life in his attempting to save those of his fire fighters. He was truly a modern day hero.

Time and experience have broadened our outlook and understanding of the morals and virtues that govern society. We have re-assessed many ideals and have re-defined many qualities from new perspectives. Heroism is one such quality found in individuals worthy of exaltation. Despite the minor disparities, the modern view of heroism concurs largely with ancient ideals. Honour, loyalty, valour and self-sacrifice continue to define the modern hero of today. However, beyond that, a fallen hero today is one who has laid down his life for his friends, particularly to save the lives of people under his charge. It is for this finer distinction that, through his act of selflessness, Fire Chief Peter Ganci holds a place of honour in our hearts.

Works Cited

Virgil, The Aeneid. Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. Toronto: Vintage Classics, 1990.

Homer, The Iliad. (photocopy)

The New English Bible. London: Oxford University Press; New York: Cambridge University. 1970.

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