As a Marine, I'll be the first to say that not every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine is a hero. However, we have done a horrible job of saluting true valor in this country. In WWII, every American knew who Audie Murphy or Pappy Boyington or Richard Bong was. How many could say who Jason Dunham or Michael Murphy are (Medal of Honor winners in Iraq and Afghanistan)? How many could tell you what some vapid celebrity is up to? A lot more. Pretty sad. The individuals in the military who the press makes into heroes are either victims or perps, people like Jessica Lynch or Lyndie England. I'd gladly pass up the veteran's discount at the amusment park for a little recognition for the individual heroes of this generation.

And yes, there are great figures in medicine, science, even the arts, I suppose, but very few of them ever die in the course of their duties. To be admired, yes. To be a hero, no. Most of them have not risked or sacrificed in their entire lives as much as some of the people I've known have in a single minute. I'd rather cast my "hero" lot with a serviceman, a policeman, or a firefighter.