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Ms. Barton Heroes

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The word “hero” has become greatly overused and has lost much of its stature. On the news and throughout social media the term is commonly used. In fact, a quick Google search will reveal thousands (or more) of people who are described as heroes. For example, Bono, one of the most influential musicians of the last 30 years, stated that his heroes “are the ones who survived doing it wrong, who made mistakes, but recovered from them” (Bono). While these survivors may be impressive, are they truly heroes? Similarly, Ronaldinho, one of the world’s most well known athletes, has stated that his “heroes were always soccer players” (Ronaldinho). While soccer players may be great athletes, are they really heroes?
What type of characteristics does …show more content…

Barton moved to Washington D.C. to work as a recording clerk at the U.S Patent office. There, Ms. Barton broke barriers, as she was the first female employee in the federal government. Years later in 1861, when the Civil War broke out, Barton realized the great needs of the wounded solders on the battlefield. As she learned from her father’s stories, she brought supplies from her home to help aid the wounded solders. She said, “I'm well and strong and young - young enough to go to the front. If I can't be a soldier, I'll help soldiers.” From this, she earned the nickname "Angel of the Battlefield" (“American Red Cross …show more content…

She was determined to do what was right. For example, an average person would not even think about going to the war zone of the Civil War to deliver supplies, but Barton knew that it was the right thing to do, and she went.
Third, Clara had decisiveness, and acted when it was needed throughout her entire lifetime. This is definitely seen when Barton was at the age 84, establishing the First Aid Association of American. Barton knew the need for basic first aid instruction and emergency preparedness, and she started an organization to address that.
Lastly, Barton unquestionably put the needs of others first. Throughout her entire life she devoted to helping others, by going to war zones, creating the Red Cross, and much more.
In light of the above, Clara Barton is clearly a hero. She lived her life breaking barriers and helping others. Throughout her life, Barton stood up for her ideals. Her distinct legacy includes being a teacher, the first female clerk at U.S. Patent Office, a nurse, humanitarian, founder of the American Red Cross, and founder of the National First Aid Association of America. Barton was an impactful force in the suffrage movement and is still looked at as a symbol for inspiration

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