Honor Pat Tillman
By Jon Alvarez (04/26/04)
Any time a young life is cut short, it is a tragedy. As the War on Terror continues, further sacrifices will be made as that is one of the demands of war. Pat Tillman knew a little bit about sacrifice, even before he paid the ultimate price for his patriotism and sense of duty. Greatly affected by 9/11, he walked away from playing a game that paid him millions of dollars to pursue a need to serve his country.Sadly, all Americans do not embrace that spirit, that sense of duty. Hopefully, more lives will be touched by way Pat Tillman lived his.
Already we are seeing several wonderful ideas being tossed about to honor this selfless and great man. In Arizona, there is talk of naming football stadiums after him. Some football fans wish to see 40-yard lines marked in red, white, and blue colors in his honor as that was his uniform number. I'd like to see all NFL teams sport red, white, and blue patches bearing the number 40 in his honor on their team uniforms. What better way to recognize Pat Tillman than thru the game he loved?
Appropriately, Pat Tillman will take his place in history alongside such patriotic Americans as Davy Crockett and the Alamo defenders. Pat Tillman will become an American legend and will become the icon for the War on Terror. He will come to represent those who serve our great country. Unlike the accidental hero Jessica Lynch, who has embraced her newfound fame and wealth, Pat Tillman shunned such trappings. He had the makings of a hero way before he embarked on his military career. He even went so far as to enlist out of state so as not to bring attention to his patriotic endeavors. Pat Tillman embodied the attitude and characteristics all Americans should aspire to possess someday. His selfless sense of duty and sacrifice are a refreshing reminder to a country so consumed by selfishness.
Therefore, it is only appropriate that we recognize and honor Pat Tillman. We should allow his sacrifice to touch us in ways that encourage all of us to become better Americans. Pat Tillman's life deserves to be celebrated and remembered. Please contact the NFL and request that they honor Pat Tillman. He deserves to be honored!
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