I am not a hero but the brave men who died deserved this honor.
Meaning of the quote
I am not a hero, but the brave soldiers who died in battle deserve this honor and recognition. Ira Hayes, an American soldier, is saying that he does not consider himself a hero, but the men who lost their lives fighting for their country are the true heroes and deserve to be honored.
About Ira Hayes
Ira Hayes was an Akimel O’odham Indigenous American who served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was one of the six men who appeared in the iconic photograph ‘Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima,’ which became a symbol of American valor. However, after the war, Hayes struggled with post-traumatic stress and alcoholism, and tragically passed away at a young age.
More quotes from Ira Hayes
The real heroes were my good buddies who died during the battles.
Native American United States Marine (1923-1955)
No one ever complains about a speech being too short!
Native American United States Marine (1923-1955)
I am not a hero but the brave men who died deserved this honor.
Native American United States Marine (1923-1955)
I was sick. I guess I was about to crack up thinking about all my good buddies. They were better men than me and they’re not coming back. Much less back to the White House, like me.
Native American United States Marine (1923-1955)