Barack Obama has replaced Jesus Christ atop a list of America’s heroes. The poll, conducted in January by Harris Interactive, asked a cross-section of American adults whom they admired enough to consider heroes.

Others in the top ten, in descending order, were Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Abraham Lincoln, John McCain, John F. Kennedy, Chesley Sullenberger (US Air pilot) and Mother Teresa.

Those surveyed were not shown or read a list of people to choose from; they answered spontaneously.

I am sorry to say the Mother Teresa is the only woman on the list, and she isn’t even alive. However Hillary Clinton did make number 12. Bill Clinton was number 16.

Interesting, half of the top ten aren’t even alive.

What makes a hero? The people surveyed gave multiple reasons to explain their choices. According the the poll, those mentioned most often include:
• “Doing what’s right regardless of personal consequences” (89%);

• “Not giving up until the goal is accomplished” (83%)

• “Doing more than what other people expect of them” (82%)

• “Overcoming adversity” (81%), and

• “Staying level-headed in a crisis” (81%).

According to this criteria, don’t you know some heroes that are alive and close to you? When I think about my friends and colleages, the list is long. I think I’ll tell them that I think they are my heroes.

Why not make your own list and announce it today? It will probably be more meaningful than the one named above. And it’s a nice way to  honor those you truly admire.