Originally posted by yuanfen
Pat Tillman who was killed in Afghanistan- most likely by friendly fire- was very well known locally (Phoenix) and at my university,
Foragood write up on his values see the cnn story on Memorial day at:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/04/24/rawlings/index.html
Pat Tillman set a commendable young man, most unusual for a native San Josean. I don't know how he escaped the Bay Area's group think mentality, but I'm proud our country can still produce young men with true courage and independence, as well as indifference to wealth and fame.
Freedom needs its defenders and I'm flying the flag today in memory of all those who fought and gave their lives so that our democracy might survive.
Tillman was small for the NFL, but stood head and shoulders over most of his contemporaries in the things that count.
In past wars such as WWII, Hollywood and pro sports produced others, who like Tillman, gave up their personal comforts and privilege to share the burden of defense of their country. My hats off to them, too many to definitively list, but including the 42-year-old Clark Gable, fresh from Gone with the Wind fame, who like Tillman enlisted as a private, before working his way up to Captain. Recognition should also go to Pat Tillman's brother who enlisted with him and is still fighting in Afghanistan.
In memory of the courageous fighting man,
John Weiland
"Et si fellitur de genu pugnat"
(And if he falls, he fights on his knees)
---Motto of the Roman Legionary
"Aim at Heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in': aim at earth
and you will get neither." --C. S. Lewis