Use the news: Honor for hero in attack on the Capitol in D.C.
When rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol building in support of former President Trump on Jan. 6, Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman played a special role in protecting the U.S. senators and representatives in the building. He diverted the mob away from the Senate doors and at one point turned U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney around so that he could escape the angry crowd.
In response to Goodman’s heroism, the Senate voted unanimously to award Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer cited Goodman for his “calmness under pressure, his courage in the line of duty, his foresight in the midst of chaos, and his willingness to make himself a target of the mob’s rage so that others might reach safety.” Minority Leader Mitch McConnell added: “If not for the quick thinking and bravery of Officer Eugene Goodman … people in this chamber may not have escaped that day unharmed.”
Activity: In the newspaper or online, find and closely read other stories about people who could be considered heroes for things they have done. Use what you read to write a letter to the editor detailing how one person acted like a hero and how the community is better for it.