https://starsunfolded.com/heather-heyer/ What exactly constitutes a hero has changed throughout the ages. Heroes in the European poems of the eighth century were described as courageous individuals capable of incredible feats, who often defeated villains with their bare hands. Although a modern day hero may not possess the almost immortal qualities of those like Beowulf during the Anglo-Saxon period, their impact can be just as valiant. In today's world, people oftentimes use the word hero to describe those who risk their lives for the benefit of others like firefighters, police officers, or soldiers. While the contributions of these individuals cannot be denied, a hero can also be an ordinary citizen, advocating for a worthwhile cause. One such person who comes to mind is Heather Heyer, the paralegal killed in the counter-protest rally against the neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017. Heather Heyer is a modern day hero in the sense that she decided to take action against a group whose philosophy was racist, violent, and hate-filled. Heather paid the ultimate price losing her life to a radical extremist, who ran her down with his car, solely because her values were contrary to his. Her family confirmed that prior to this rally, Heather Heyer fought for the causes of people of various religious, ethnic, or sexual orientations. Heather joined the counter-protest that unfortunate day, not to gain notoriety, but because she felt, "if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention." Her continuous fight for equality will forever be acknowledged by the establishment of the Heather Heyer Foundation in her name. The organization aims to donate scholarships to those interested in social degrees, like education or law, promoting Heather's meaningful cause. It is because of brave individuals like Heather Heyer that others will be inspired to fight against injustice, prejudice and intolerance. Undoubtedly, Heather Heyer is a true modern day hero and as her website states, her memory survives through the foundation's message, "Peaceful Unity. A Dream that Lives On." 
https://www.heatherheyerfoundation.com/the-foundation 
https://mauitime.com/news/politics/ today-nov-22-sign-waving-against- hate-in-front-of-maui-high/
She sacrificed it all for something she truly believed in. That is something to be admired.
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