AUSTRALIANS seem to be developing a rather twisted idea of the concept of heroism.
The last thing I want to do is belittle their sacrifice, but am I the only one discomforted by the elevation to national hero status of the Australians who died in the Indonesian helicopter crash ? (Tearful homage for Aussie heroes, The Mercury, Monday April 3)
“The remote Indonesian village of Tuindrao, on the island of Nias will forever rank with legendary battlefields as a symbol of tragedy, weeping families were told …”
One can appreciate the desire to comfort grieving relatives and families, but ranking this tragic accident alongside Gallipoli, Tobruk or Vung Tau, not only devalues heroism; it cheapens the concept of service.
These were servicemen and women who, through an unfortunate accident, lost their lives. They may have possessed all the qualities of heroes, but through the circumstances of their death were hardly given the opportunity to display this.
Or did they?
My understanding of heroism is that it usually involves the display of inordinate courage in the face of extreme danger. Maybe flying in those old Sea King helicopters is an act of heroism in itself.
Rob Walls
