The Hero I Admire the Most: To the Brave and Heroic People of Ukraine

The Hero I Admire the Most 

To the brave and heroic people of Ukraine

What is a hero? What qualities should a hero have? I know it’s not superpowers, not a flashy cape, or a fancy helmet.

To me, a hero is someone who shows great courage, resilience, and determination. He needs to rise above others in troubling times. He leads by example, and he doesn’t quit until he reaches his goal and fulfills his destiny.

2022 has been a difficult year for all of us. Covid-19 remains a threat, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine proved again that there are no winners in war. Although Russia’s military force was superior, the people of Ukraine united behind their president and demonstrated a surprising level of courage, resilience, and determination. More importantly, they have united all freedom-loving countries worldwide and said “no” to dictators and autocracy. They are, indeed, the hero I admire most. 

No doubt, the people of Ukraine have paid dearly to keep their country free and independent. Under heavy shelling, homes were destroyed, schools were flattened, and people were forced to hide underground for weeks. Families lost loved ones, children lost parents whom they have never met, and the elderly were left behind because they were simply too frail to move. In the words of a Ukrainian diplomat, cities like today’s Mariupol is “what hell on Earth looks like.”

Although the war might have savaged their homeland, it will never break the spirit of the Ukrainian people. While the constant bombardment might have altered the city skyline, they know Ukraine will rise from the ruins and rebuild their homes where their dreams were once born. To me, that is what being a hero is all about.

At the same time, the strong leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky has been indispensable. He stayed behind, communicated with the world, and led his people through words and deeds. He united the hundreds of ethnic groups in Ukraine with a single purpose–to be free, stay independent, and defend their homeland. He turned those who once doubted the will of the Ukrainian people to fight into believers. More importantly, he made the world realize that freedom comes with a heavy price–one that is paid with sacrifices of human lives that is always one too many.

I believe there is a hero in all of us. We can all rise above and accomplish anything with courage, resilience, and determination. As the world rallies behind Ukraine, I would like to tell its people, “Keep the faith, stay united, and the world stands with you. You will always be the hero I admire most.”

English Corner:

• fulfills 滿足 (v.): to carry out (a duty or role) as required, promised, or expected

• shelling 砲擊 (n.): the act of firing shells, which are containers full of explosives, at something

• diplomat 外交官 (n.): an official representing a country abroad

• indispensable 不可或缺的 (adj.): absolutely necessary

• faith 信念 (n.): complete trust or confidence in someone or something