Society portrays heroes as those who do good while defending themselves from clear evil. Our society has superheroes that we idolize, but is he a real hero? Is he someone who dies with a clear conscience, or is he someone who has had to make some of the most difficult decisions in order for him to serve, protect, and survive. “Hero of War,” a song by Rise Against, and American Sniper by Chris Kyle show that the definition of a hero is not as cut and dry as we might think. A soldier is a hero until someone hears about what happened overseas, when they hear about horrible things that happened in another country; but these experiences are precisely what make them true heroes. “Hero of War” opens with a civilian talking to a recruiter. That moment when you are excited to serve your country and you will even get paid for it. He said, "Son, have you seen the world? Well, what would you say if I told you that you could? Just bring this gun and you'll even get paid." I said, "Sounds pretty good." When a soldier leaves, we send them off with tears and well wishes, grateful that they are willing to protect us even if it means losing their own lives. The soldier is fresh and has no idea what will happen. Movies can't accurately describe what will happen, other soldiers can't tell you how you'll feel; it is a journey that will be entirely yours, even if surrounded by your company. The military saves young men and women from a life in which they could be lost. However, this is not everyone's opinion. In an article by Laurence M. Vance, he shares a different perspective. Here we see the opinion that the army has no right to interfere in other countries, which implies that we do not need recruits because we should not allow our country to continue what it is... half of paper... For the sense of honor they would go crazy. They constantly remind themselves that there was a purpose, that the flag is something they love and serve. “I am totally against the war in Iraq. I have often written about my opposition. However, I call the men and women who fight that war heroes, and I will continue to do so." (Wind) Then he continues with the challenge: would you rather call the soldiers murderers collectively because of some people committing horrendous acts, or would you like to call them heroes because they risk their lives every day, and for those who demonstrated true heroism in the worst situations. They honored the flag, defended the country they chose to live in and overcame situations that a civilian could never have dreamed of understanding. If you have no idea what a soldier goes through, you have the ability or right to criticize his actions.