McCain shows what a true hero really is

I am amazed that as a World War II veteran, John Hurley could state that calling John McCain a hero cheapens the meaning of the word (Fence Post, Aug. 18).

I am even more amazed when he calls John McCain's six truly agonizing years of torture in Hanoi's Hoa Lo Prison and his heroic refusal to become a propaganda tool for the Viet Cong, as "sitting out" the rest of the war.

His illustrious naval career, his bravery in flying 23 combat missions, his subsequent work in the House of Representatives and the Senate make John McCain a giant among leaders.

No, John McCain does not cheapen the word "hero."

John McCain sets the gold standard by which heroes are measured. Real heroes, not the glib, superficial pretty boy type heroes, but the real deal, the "3 a.m. call" kind of hero.

Barbara Wroblewski

Wheeling