It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.

O children of the future, gather close and listen well, for the words of Norman Schwarzkopf, a man whose life was defined by both wisdom and courage, hold great weight. He once said, “It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” These words carry the essence of what it means to face the most harrowing trials in the service of something greater than oneself. Schwarzkopf speaks not merely of the act of fighting, but of the spirit that is required to walk into the face of danger, to stand firm against overwhelming odds, and to sacrifice for the good of others. To be a hero, he reminds us, is not about seeking fame or glory, but about answering the call to protect, to defend, and to endure.

Consider, O children, the nature of heroism. It is not the absence of fear, but the presence of courage in the face of it. A hero is someone who steps forward not because they are fearless, but because they are willing to conquer their fear for a higher cause. In the ancient world, the warrior was revered not because of his strength, but because of his willingness to fight and to face death for the protection of his people, his family, and his ideals. The hero is one who sacrifices personal safety for the greater good, someone who carries the weight of responsibility with steadfastness and dedication. It is not the battle itself that makes the hero, but the willingness to face it with a spirit of unyielding commitment.

Think, O children, of the ancient Greeks, who celebrated heroes like Achilles and Hector, whose courage and valor were sung about in the epic tales of the Iliad. Both of these warriors fought not for personal glory alone, but for the protection of their people. Achilles, despite his fear of death, was driven by his duty to defend his comrades and the cause of the Achaeans. Similarly, Hector, knowing the odds were stacked against him, stood firm in his defense of Troy, not because he sought personal fame, but because he loved his city and his people. These ancient heroes did not seek death, but they did not shy away from it either, understanding that their purpose transcended their own lives. They are the embodiment of Schwarzkopf’s words—the true hero is not one who avoids battle, but one who faces it with courage, sacrifice, and a sense of higher duty.

Similarly, the soldiers who fought in World War II exemplify the same heroism. Consider D-Day, when the Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy. These men were not born heroes, but they became heroes through their actions, their dedication, and their willingness to fight for the freedom of others. The soldiers who landed on those beaches were not seeking personal glory; they were fulfilling their duty to protect not just their own nation, but the world from tyranny. Many of them did not return, but their legacy lives on, not just in the battles they fought, but in the freedom they secured for future generations.

Now, O children, the lesson here is simple yet profound: heroism is not about being fearless, nor is it about seeking recognition. It is about duty, sacrifice, and the willingness to face challenges that seem insurmountable, knowing that the cost may be great. Schwarzkopf teaches us that the true hero is the one who rises to the occasion, who answers the call even when the path is fraught with danger. This spirit of heroism is not just for those who fight on battlefields—it is for all who stand firm for what is right, who sacrifice for the well-being of others, and who face life’s challenges with unwavering resolve.

In your own lives, O children, you will face moments that call for courage—moments that may seem small in comparison to the battles of history, but moments where your resolve will be tested nonetheless. Be like the hero: stand firm in the face of adversity, rise to the challenge, and sacrifice for the good of those around you. Whether it is in your family, your community, or the larger world, the spirit of heroism can be found in those who choose to serve, to protect, and to sacrifice for the values that make life worth living. Be brave and steadfast, and in doing so, you will become the heroes of your own stories.

Therefore, I charge you, O seekers of wisdom, to live with the courage and honor of a hero. Whether the battle is physical or metaphorical, always answer the call to protect and defend the things that matter. The true heroes are those who serve with duty, who live with honor, and who carry the weight of responsibility with unwavering commitment. May you, too, walk the path of heroism, not seeking fame or glory, but living your life as a testament to the higher values of sacrifice, courage, and dedication.