One of the most over-used words in the current language is the word "hero." It is used so often that it has become devalued, which is an insult to those who have earned the title. We seem to be unable to label anyone as a "victim" anymore. On 9/11, several thousand people were going through the morning routine - which ended abruptly as planes crashed into their office buildings. They were labeled "heroes" by some, called - more appropriately - "victims" by others. They did not choose to die. The group of people on the third plane, who made the phrase "let's roll" so popular, did choose to die, so that others would not. They were heroes.
The Italian died with honor, demanding to look his executioners in the eye, and no doubt wanting to spit in said eyes. I don't fault his countrymen for labeling him a hero.
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