‘Hero’ has many definitions
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LEWISTOWN -- What defines a hero? Someone famous? Super Bowl or World Series winner? Favorite actor or actress? Favorite musical group? A personal friend, teacher or coach? Possibly a family member?
The term has multiple meanings and the definition can be slightly altered to meet personal specifications.
A hero is whatever you decide. After all, it is your hero.
Real-life heroes are not perfect, though at times, we may believe they are. They are human and have faults and imperfections like everyone else. When you examine anything or anyone too closely, perfection becomes an illusion. Myth is separated from reality.
Heroes tend to run parallel with personal interests. Music and sports have always been a part of my life. Many I admired at a much younger age are still admired today. The Beatles, Elvis Presley, John Wayne, Mike Schmidt, Dick Allen, Roberto Clemente, Julius Erving, Ara Parseghian, Joe Montana, Lou Holtz, Vince Lombardi and Michael Jordan. The accomplishments and the impact of each is still felt.
I've come to terms with the fact that none of my heroes are/were perfect. Perspective changes with time. The attitudes of youth differ greatly with the concerns of adulthood.
When I was very young, my heroes were fictional. Superman and Batman on TV and in comic books. As I grew up, the concept of a hero evolved along with me. The concept moved closer to the real thing with each stage of life.
Throughout the 1960s, I was captivated by America's space program. I was too young during Project Mercury (though I would learn much about it later). I remember bits and pieces of Project Gemini. By the time of the Apollo missions, I was glued to the TV, especially when Neil Armstrong took the historic first steps on the lunar surface. The astronauts who pioneered space were my heroes, and the world's heroes. The trend continues today.
In time, my heroes became people I knew in everyday life. Teachers, coaches, neighbors and friends. There were many who taught, instructed and inspired me in so many ways.
There is also a greater appreciation of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who risk their lives every day to protect our communities. Throughout our history, thousands have died for the benefit of others at home and on foreign soil. Military personnel, police, fire and rescue crews, EMTs -- all are heroes simply for the path they chose. There are also many in other occupations who save lives and save souls.
It makes a hero's achievement seem even greater to know he or she accomplished something special while dealing with difficult times. Many of us have a family member, friend or neighbor who has battled disease or overcome affliction.
Inspiring others is a trait characteristic of heroes. There have been national leaders and figures who have helped shape my political views. My love of Country was formed very early, but as life moved on and events unfolded, Ronald Reagan and Rush Limbaugh helped encourage a strong belief in conservative values.
The term "hero" can mean many things. The common denominator among most, if not all heroes, is they are special people who have impacted the lives of those around them in a positive way.
Atop the mountain of heroes for me are my parents, Jay and Kathleene Laub. Like those of their generation, they lived through the Great Depression and World War II. They raised a family of four children beginning in the 1950s and throughout the tumultuous 1960s and early 1970s.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, my Dad served with the Lewistown Borough Police Department for 26 years, attaining the rank of sergeant. When he retired from the force, he served four terms as Mifflin County Sheriff.
My Mom worked as a secretary for Noerr Motor Freight and later for the Mifflin County School District.
My parents dealt with a lot and made many sacrifices, but they were always there, providing love, discipline and security. They instilled proper values. There was peace. There was family. There was a home. The love and respect I have for my parents is immense. Their impact was immeasurable. I think of them every day.
The 2024 edition of Juniata Valley Magazine contains stories of many heroes, past and present. Some you may know or recognize. Some you may not. Their stories are worth telling. Their inspiration is worth remembering.