I think what we need in Russia [from US people]is…a demonstration of moral solidarity.

As the Russian opposition is reported to be losing steam, Russian chess master (and activist) Garry Kasparov calls for “moral solidarity” on stage at the Hero Summit. He says it does wonders for Russians on the ground.

Where we as journalists really do have a significant power is this gatekeeping business…we are in the lighting business.

Nick Kristof

Awwwwwww! (By the way, your mom’s story is something else. Bravest mom ever.)

I just imagine whoever it is is my wife: I gotta get them out of here.

DUSTOFF73 medevac crew member, Chief Warrant Officer Two Erik Sabiston, at The Hero Summit.

Last week we told you about our plans to ship down to Washington, D.C. for a live-journalism event about “heroes,” for a summit appropriately called The Hero Summit. That time is now! We’re literally tumblin’ on a train (hello, future) as we head down to the land of hope and gridlock. When we get there, you’ll see some photos on nwktumblr. You’ll see some quotes. We’ll even throw the livestream link up when Bono’s around because well it’s Bono.

Programming Note!

This week’s cover, if you missed it on Monday before we got all election crazy, features three soldiers the helicopter crew of DUSTOFF 73—a medevac team that took on a wildly perilous mission to save troops under fire in Afghanistan’s Kunar province. 

They are heroes.

But they’re not alone.

Next week your nwktumblrs ship off to Washington, D.C. to cover Newsweek & The Daily Beast’s “Hero Summit,” a two-day “theatrical-journalism event” (a cooler name for a string of on-stage panel discussions between journalists and subjects) where, ahem, “we’ll hear powerful theories about the essence of leadership, showcase veterans whose stories illuminate the connection between military service and success in the private sector, and examine what it means to speak truth to power.”

It’s all about stories that celebrate our nation’s heroes—from fighting in the poppy fields of Afghanistan to diffusing a bomb in the streets of Iraq.

Also: Bono & Aaron Sorkin will be there! We’re pretty psyched. So stay tuned, we’ll have more next week starting Wednesday, likely all found on a ‘Hero Summit’ tumblr tag.

[Major thanks to our sponsor, Jeep, which is helping us celebrate our nation’s heroes for their service. Visit their website to share your support.]