Heroes, proud, brave and amazing…these are the words that sum up people’s feelings for the firefighters battling Victorian bushfires. More than 3000 herograms posted by heraldsun.com.au readers in the wake of Australia’s worst natural disaster are dominated by descriptions of immense gratitude. “Thank” was the word most often used. Others like bless, wonderful, courage, bravery, strength, hope, thank you, prayers, heart and proud also dominated comments. As did spirit, amazing, dedication, thoughts, lost and safe. Also the website was inundated with messages of support.

“Just wanted to let you know that here in the States we remember Australian stood with us after Hurricane Katrina and we offer our condolences and salute your hero firefighters,” Paul White of Minnesota write.

While Jill Mitchell in Northern Ireland posted:” I’m from Melbourne originally, have been listening to Fox FM and reading the  Herald Sun about the bushfires and I’m deeply saddened of the loss of life and the damage it caused…I will be praying for all the firefighters…my heart goes out to all Victorians.”

Then Dusk of Sydney summed up: ” Bless you. Thank you. Thank you. We dream of Superheroes to save the world. And here you all are.”

“I cannot begin to imagine what strength of character it must take to carry on through this devastation, to not give up. Thank you all so much for demonstrating the true meaning of life.”