From a high-school coach to a woman who helped a child off a cliff, these everyday people saved lives at risk of their own. They didn’t wait to call 911 or debate what to do; they simply acted. And for that, they’re our hero of the day.
Normally, heroism is associated with firemen who dash into a burning building or police officers who rush into danger to protect their fellow citizens. But there are heroes all around us—and they often don’t reveal themselves until something terrible happens.
When a grizzly bear turned its attention to a woman in her driveway, Saskatchewan resident Joanne Ayotte grabbed a shovel and ran after the animal. Whacking it with the shovel didn’t scare off the bear, but it did earn Ayotte a medal for heroism and a spot in Manitoban folklore.
Doctors who perform lifesaving surgeries and nurses who care for the sick are heroes. Dedicated teachers can offer hope to troubled students. And religious leaders, pastors and missionaries take the risk of standing up for their beliefs in a culture that often questions standards. All of these people and many more are our hero of the day. They help people in need, clean rivers and bring health-care to some of the world’s darkest places. They deserve a day of honor and recognition, but they often don’t ask for it. They just do their jobs, and for that, they’re our hero. Watch the trailer for “Hotel Mumbai” starring Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, Nazanin Boniadi and Jason Isaacs.