As I pondered Ron's question, I was brought back to my childhood where we used to play a game around the kitchen table called: "who's your hero". Then, as now, my answer to that question is without hesitation my father, Nino Langiulli.
In modern society, the discussion of heroes is verboten. It would appear that heroes are to be treated as mythical relics of ancient history, not even to be discussed nor debated in Classic Departments of great Universities except as literary objects to be deconstructed. The very idea that a man (or woman) can in the face of grave danger or serious adversity display courage and the will for self sacrifice for some greater good is considered passe by our modern culture. And I dare say that the notion that a grown man's father can be admired by his son as a hero would be viewed in many circles as quaint, if not derided as peculiar.
I write this post not only as a tribute to my father, but also to recognize all those current heroes and heroines who martial the moral
excellence necessary to live virtuous lives in troubling times. In my father's case, those virtues include (to name just a few):
-Patience (as a husband, father and teacher)
-Courage (to face life in his middle age after the suicide of his younger daughter, and withstand the scourge of systemic cancer, heart disease, and stroke in his later years)
-Wisdom (to use his knowledge in the service of right action, and apply good 'ol common sense)
-Frugality (in his prudent use of all resources)
The ancient Greeks understood that mythical heroes were important archetypes to be emulated for the fortification of citizens in the service of a free society. Modern society is no less in need of such archetypes.
So, who's your hero?
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