In Reagan's speech, he emphasizes the bravery and courage of the astronauts who were sent into space, particularly in the wake of the Challenger disaster. To Reagan, bravery means facing and overcoming fear, taking risks, and being willing to make sacrifices for a higher purpose.
Reagan defines bravery as the willingness to face fear and danger head-on, stating, "We've grown used to the idea of space, and perhaps we forget that we've only just begun." He acknowledges that the astronauts knew the risks involved in space travel and yet still chose to take on this challenge, highlighting their bravery and willingness to confront their fears.
Moreover, Reagan's view of bravery aligns with the concept of heroism, where individuals take actions that benefit others despite potential risks or harm to themselves. Heroism involves selflessness, sacrifice, and a willingness to put oneself in harm's way for the sake of others. In the case of the astronauts, they risked their lives to advance space exploration, benefitting society as a whole.
Reagan's definition of bravery and heroism is consistent with other literary works and art. For example, in the epic poem Beowulf, the titular hero risks his life to defeat the monster Grendel and protect his people. Similarly, in the Harry Potter series, Harry and his friends demonstrate bravery and heroism by fighting against Voldemort and his followers to save the wizarding world. These examples highlight the idea that bravery involves facing and overcoming challenges, taking risks, and putting oneself in harm's way for a greater purpose.
In my personal experience, bravery has involved taking risks and facing fears in order to achieve a goal or help others. Whether it's speaking up for what I believe in or facing a difficult challenge, being brave means confronting my fears and taking action despite potential risks.