Home front heroism investigates how civilians were recognised and celebrated as heroic during the Second World War. Through a focus on London, this book explores how heroism was manufactured as civilians adopted roles in production, protection and defence, through the use of uniforms and medals, and through the way that civilians were injured and killed. This book makes a novel contribution to the study of heroism by exploring the spatial, material, corporeal and ritualistic dimensions of heroic representations. By tracing the different ways that home front heroism was cultivated on a national, local and personal level, this study promotes new ways of thinking about the meaning and value of heroism during periods of conflict. It will appeal to anyone interested in the social and cultural history of Second World War as well as the sociology and psychology of heroism.

Home front heroism explores how civilians were framed as heroic during the Second World War. Through a focus on London, this book explores how the effects and demands of conflict created increased opportunities for heroics, and created a need for heroism to be acknowledged, awarded and celebrated.

This thesis is intended to contribute to critical discussion of the American male hero in mainstream American war and action films post September 11, 2001 . The thesis investigates how these heroes' behaviour echoes a patriotic, conservative construction of the modern American as created through speeches given by George W. Bush in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001 . The thesis examines the hero in six primary sources: the war films We Were Soldiers, Behind Enemy Lines and The Great Raid and the action films Collateral Damage, Man on Fire and The Punisher. By analyzing the ideological subtext, political content, visual strategies and generic implications of the films, as well as the binary constructions of a selection of Bush speeches, and by reviewing historical representations of American male heroes on film produced in the wake of political events, the thesis concludes that the six films mobilize the USA's conservative viewpoint towards war and military action, and in concert with the speeches, contribute to an ongoing militarization of visual culture. Both systems echo a dangerous ideological fantasy of American history, life and patriotism.

From a distance, Michael and Joleen Zarkades seem to have it all: a solid dependable marriage, two exciting careers, and children they adore. But after twelve years together, the couple has lost their way. They are unhappy and edging towards divorce. Then the Iraq war starts and an unexpected deployment will tear their already fragile family apart, sending one of them deep into harm's way and leaving the other at home, waiting for news. When the worst happens, each must face their darkest fear and fight for the future of their family. An intimate look at the inner landscape of a disintegrating marriage and a dramatic exploration of the price of war on a single American family. Home Front is a provocative and timely portrait of hope, honour, loss, forgiveness and the elusive nature of love.

It has been said that military life is “not for the faint of heart.” But neither is it without its benefits and blessings. One thing is certain: It is an experience like no other—for both the soldiers and their families. In this collection, readers will experience the pride that wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends feel when a loved one chooses to put his or her needs aside for the benefit of the country. Featuring stories from the current Iraq war as well as stories of servicemen and -women who have long retired from the armed forces, this timely collection will span generations. This book is sure to inspire every reader, whether a husband whose wife is defending freedom today, or a grandchild who wants to know why her grandfather is called “hero.”

War Heroes describes the Tales of Adventure, Adversity and Heroism of veterans from World War II. World War II was perhaps the single greatest tragedy and triumph in all of human history! For most of these veterans, the War was the seminal experience in their lives. Every one of these War Heroes is disgusted by war-by the greed and hunger for power that causes war, and how the lives of our youth are sacrificed to feed this hunger. They are sickened by the devaluation of human life, and the endless suffering that war causes. However, when a true enemy menaced and threatened our existence, these peaceful men stood up and offered their lives for our defense. These men did not fight because of an aggressive nature, but rather because of their honour, their selflessness, and their heroic character. For most of us born after the War, there can be no true appreciation of what our parents and grandparents experienced. While Canadians on the Home Front made a great many sacrifices, and did their best for the War Effort, the real heroes were those men and women who traveled overseas to battle the enemy. At its most basic level, it is contrary to one's survival instincts to put oneself in 'harms way'. But for heroes, such as those in this book, there is a recognition of the need to act unselfishly in the interests of others. It has to be remembered that a hero is not a "fearless" person, but rather someone who acts in spite of his or her fears. All of us enjoying the peace and prosperity over the last sixty-five years owe a great gratitude to these heroes, who 'stood up' for our defense and way of life. Without their heroic fight against the Axis powers, our lives would have been much different. They helped protect the Canadian way of life, and prevented the expansion of a fascist world.

Post-heroism is often perceived as one of the main aspects of change in the character of war, a phenomenon prevalent in western societies. According to this view, demographic and cultural changes in the west have severely decreased the tolerance for casualties in war. This edited volume provides a critical examination of this idea.