The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines a hero as

• a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability,

• an illustrious warrior,

• a person admired for achievements and noble qualities, or

• one who shows great courage [1].

 

Texas has produced many great heroes that fit this definition.  To name one, Audie Murphy, born in Kingston, Texas, is the most decorated American soldier of all time.  But if it were not for the cooks, the clerks, and the people in supply, Audie Murphy would not have been able to get to Europe, much less perform his heroic feats.  They all deserve credit for their part.

 

During the war some 16 million Americans served in the United States Armed Forces, with 405,399 killed and 671,278 wounded.  There were also 130,201 American prisoners of war, of whom 116,129 returned home after the war [2].  All of these Americans sacrificed.  At a minimum, all military veterans all give up years of their lives to serve.  A veteran might never see combat, but every veteran experiences a loss of freedom; they sacrifice their independence to serve the nation.

 

So, does the Texas Heroes Museum only honor military veterans?  No.  Our museum takes a broader view of what defines a hero.  In addition to the attributes defined in the dictionary, we include people who have sacrificed [3] for our nation as heroes.

 

The original Texas Rangers lived a dangerous life to bring safety to the early Texas settlers.  Today’s law enforcement officers also risk their lives, as do firefighters and first responders.

 

During World War II, many people left their families to work in factories to produce weapons and munitions.  Those who stayed on the farms were performing the essential work of feeding the troops and the nation.  These farmers had to do their work without the help of their young sons who joined the military.  Everyone in the nation endured rationing and shortage of supplies.  Everyone sacrificed.  Everyone in the World War II generation was a hero.

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The Texas Heroes Museum honors Texans who have sacrificed, from Moses Austin and “The Old 300,” to the health care professionals, paramedics, and first responders who are on the front lines of the Covid‑19 battle.   Read about their contributions to our nation and honor their memory.  It is our ancestors’ sacrifices that have given us the easy life we enjoy today.

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"I never liked being called 'the most decorated soldier.' There were so many guys who should have gotten medals and never did — guys who were killed." — Audie Murphy

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[1] courage (n): mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

 

[2] Wikipedia.org, “Military history of the United States during World War II”

 

[3] sacrifice (v): to suffer loss of, give up, renounce, injure, or destroy especially or an ideal, belief, or end