The term 'hero' is applied almost indiscriminately everywhere these days, but this French policeman who died by swapping his life for the sake of the hostages near Carcassonne can genuinely be called a hero. Lt. Colonel Arnaud Beltrame must have known that he was probably not going to survive, but he saved lives by sacrificing his own. What a great man.
He was a true policeman and a true hero.
ReplyDeleteSuch a brave man to do his duty like that. I just wish he hadn’t had to. XXXX
ReplyDeleteTotally agree.
ReplyDeleteLX
Amen .....he was a local policeman protecting his own ...
ReplyDeleteYes, self-sacrifice of that magnitude is very rare. The word 'hero' has found its rightful home.
ReplyDeleteHe was indeed a true hero. His family must be absolutely distraught but in time they will be so proud of him and rightly so.
ReplyDeleteChapeau to this extraordinary man! I wish the pride of his loved ones will help overcome the pain but, as Jackie says, I wish he hadn't had to do it.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
When I lasy heard the news he was still alive - so very sad but as you rightly say Tom - a great man and he deserves a great honour in his country.
ReplyDeleteYes he was
ReplyDeleteTrue bravery and self-sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteBut can you imagine how the swapped hostage must feel? Grateful to be alive, but what an (undeserved) burden of guilt to live with.
ReplyDeleteSuch a brave man, such a cowardly killer
He was a true professional, doing his job. He swapped himself for the female hostage the gunman was holding. How could he have ever lived with himself if he hadn't. He will be remembered as the hero he was, a special person and will be posthumously honoured. The people he saved need feel no guilt, just eternal gratefulness that that policeman acted the way he did that day in his line of duty when he could have been a coward and turned his back on them.
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