: Early heroes like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin represent the "Founding Fathers" archetype, valued for leadership and the establishment of national ideals.
: Figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Bunche shifted the focus toward civil rights, diplomacy, and social justice.
: Prioritizing the needs of the community or nation above personal safety or profit.
Modern definitions emphasize specific traits that resonate with the American identity:
: Standing firm in convictions, even when those beliefs are unpopular or lead to personal risk. My Mom, the American Hero, and (Today) the Birthday Girl