Heroism “Man in the Water” A Nonfiction Essay By Roger Rosenblatt

Meet the Author Roger Rosenblatt – (1940 – ) After receiving a bachelor’s degree from NYU and a master’s and doctoral from Harvard, Rosenblatt taught literature for several years before turning to journalism. His 1983 book, Children of War, covers his journey through five war-torn countries – Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In each he interviewed children who had experienced war as a way of life.

Continued… Two years later, he followed that publication with Witness: The World Since Hiroshima. Both books, like “The Man in the Water,” show Rosenblatt’s search for the redeeming aspects of human existence. Rosenblatt said that he wrote the essay in 45 minutes after thinking about what he wanted to write for days. He feels that waiting to write until the last minute provides him with time to solve the overall mystery and to feel it more deeply.

“The Man in the Water” This essay reflects on the crash of a plane into a Washington, D.C. bridge and then into the icy Potomac River in the winter of Rosenblatt sees the best of Everyman, the triumph of humanity and altruism (unselfishness) over the impersonal and indifferent forces of nature.

Crash Information: Date: January 20, 1982, late afternoon Weather: Wet snow flurries. Location: Plane hit 14 th Street Bridge, crushing five cars and one truck, crashed into Potomac River. Death toll: 78, including four motorists. Of the 79 people aboard the plane, only five survived (four passengers, one flight attendant). Probable cause of crash: ice on wings - The plain was cleared for takeoff at 3:59 P.M., 45 minutes after its last de-icing.

- Before we hear the story, lets look at another example of heroism. - Dakota Meyers was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama and was featured in a 60 minutes segment last night.

Reluctant Hero Dakota Meyer in “60 Minutes” – September 18, n&tag=re1.gallerieshttp:// n&tag=re1.galleries _ htmlhttp:// _ html (60 Minutes Overtime)

Saving Lives: In fact, Meyer's efforts saved the lives of 13 other U.S. Marines and soldiers in addition to 23 Afghan soldiers and led Congress to declare his actions above and beyond the call of duty.

“The Man in the Water” C_wEhttp:// C_wE