How have public memory, valorization, and heroic conceptions informed our understanding of heroes?

The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial feeds into the idea of the "traditional male hero." The statue honors and valorizes those were brave and strong enough to fight in war. Similarly to Campbell's a Hero's Journey, marines are called upon to complete a task. Along this journey many overcome challenges, learn lessons, and evolve in different ways. Many attributes are comparable to the mono myth. However, the public's understanding of the memorial has developed over time. In 1954, when the memorial was first unveiled, the majority of marines followed the path of the typical male hero. Though, especially in recent years, there has been more diversity within the U.S. Military. As a result there are more experiences, backgrounds, skill sets, and ideas to consider causing the single storyline of the male hero to fade. The public memory for this memorial can still be viewed as the traditional mono myth storyline though it is also becoming more welcoming of other and new story arcs.