DEAR ABBY: I have noticed over the past few decades that fewer and fewer people have heroes (I mean real heroes, not celebrities who are famous for being famous). I'd love to hear from your readers about who their heroes are and why. These heroes should not be family members, but someone outside the family -- a teacher, doctor, artist, writer, mentor, statesperson, etc.
Without positive role models to emulate, it's no wonder the majority of our young people are losing their way. -- ALISON IN ASHLAND, ORE.
DEAR ALISON: While I do not agree that the majority of our young people have "lost their way," I do think you have posed an interesting challenge. Readers, if you'd care to chime in, I'm sure it would make an inspiring column.
I would nominate the New York City police and firefighters who searched for survivors after 9/11, the reporters at the New Orleans Times-Picayune who stayed at their posts to report the news after the terrible flood that decimated their city, and the men and women in our military who put themselves at risk in service to our country.