Courage facts for kids

Godspeed! by Edmund Leighton

Courage is about being brave and willing to face tough things like pain, danger, or feeling unsure. It's not about being fearless, but about choosing to act even when you are scared.

There are two main kinds of courage:

• Physical courage means being brave when you face physical pain, hardship, or the threat of death. Think of a firefighter running into a burning building.
• Moral courage is about doing what's right, even when it's unpopular, might make you feel ashamed, or could cause you to lose something important. For example, standing up for someone who is being bullied.

Many thinkers throughout history, from ancient Greek philosophers like Plato to modern psychologists, have explored what courage means.

Awards for Bravery

Many special awards are given to people who show amazing courage. These awards celebrate individuals who have acted bravely, often putting themselves at risk for others or for what they believe in.

Recognizing Human Rights Heroes

• The Edelstam Prize is given to people who show great courage in defending Human Rights. They stand up for their beliefs, even when it's difficult.
• The Civil Courage Prize is another award for people who bravely resist evil, even when it puts them in great personal danger. It's given by The Train Foundation and can even be given after someone has passed away.
• The Courage to Care Award is a special plaque that honors people who helped others during the Nazis' persecution of millions of Jews. It shows the incredible bravery of rescuers during a very dark time.
• The Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage is awarded by Georgia Institute of Technology. It honors people who show courage like former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr., who bravely supported the 1963 Civil Rights Bill during a time of big changes.

Military Valor Awards

• The Victoria Cross is the highest military award in the British Armed Forces and other Commonwealth countries. It's given for extreme bravery "in the face of the enemy." Since it began, 1,356 have been awarded. The George Cross is a similar award for civilians.
• The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the United States. It's given to members of the U.S. armed forces who show amazing bravery and put their lives at risk far beyond what is expected, especially when fighting an enemy.
• The Distinguished Service Cross (United States) is the second highest military award for the United States Army. It's given for extreme bravery and risking one's life in actual combat against an armed enemy.
• The Param Vir Chakra is the highest military award in India. It's given to those who show the greatest bravery or self-sacrifice when facing an enemy. It is often awarded after someone has died.

Civilian Heroism and Public Service

• The Carnegie Hero Fund was created to recognize everyday people in the United States and Canada who perform extraordinary acts of heroism. It also helps those who are injured or the families of those who die while trying to save others.
• The Profile in Courage Award is a private award inspired by John F. Kennedy's book Profiles in Courage. It's given to people, often elected officials, who risk their careers or lives by following their conscience and doing what's best for their community or country, even if it's unpopular.

Images for kids

• 

  Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher.

See also

In Spanish: Coraje para niños