I think so many of our countrymen embrace stories like these because they want to believe Americans are bigger than life and special in the eyes of the fates or God. They also derive a vicarious thrill from identifying with the 'heroes' thus created. That is partly because the made-up heroes fit their notions of what they want their heroes to be like. For example, a female soldier from the same company as Lynch did die in Iraq, but she was a Hopi single mother, not a blue-eyed blonde from the South.

Recently, Jessica Lynch's family announced they will not participate in the movie NBC is making about her, but rely on a book to tell her story instead. Perhaps the she realizes embracing the mythical version of herself may not be the best course to follow.

I do believe it is time we revisit the definition of the word 'hero' when used in the context of war or civil disorder.

he-ron. pl. he-roes

A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life: soldiers and nurses who were heroes in an unpopular war.

Fortunately, not all Americans are easily misled or seeking vicarious gratification from false information that deems them and theirs 'heroic.' A youth in North Carolina sees the problem clearly.

Haley Price, 16, Jay M. Robinson High, Concord: The idea that Jessica Lynch should be celebrated as a hero is not only wrong, in my eyes, but is also condescending to all of the people who have been and will be prisoners of war and have not come home to medals or a day in their name. Now, had Jessica done something great like saved her entire platoon and was then captured and saved, that would have been different. However, nothing happened to her that does not happen to dozens of other people in every war that America has ever fought.

Pfc. Lynch is a soldier who experienced the gritty and painful reality of war firsthand. However, her injuries were substained in an automobile accident that could have occurred just as easily in civilian life. There is no proof she has done anything that fits the definition of 'hero.' I don't begrudge her her moment in the sun, but let's be realistic about what a hero is.

The survivors of those who died in the crash of flight 93 should accept the evidence of the terrorists intentionally crashing the plane in my opinion. There is no shame in their relatives having been victimized by terrorists. There is no reason to try to transform the passengers into Rambos. Being 'just folks' is fine.

Note: This entry was originally written for Mac-a-ro-nies, a blog focusing on current events, legal issues and technology.