OT - Tribute to a hero

[Alpha Kodiak]

Well said, Atrocities, and thanks.

[Alpha Kodiak]

Here is a good commentary on the death of Pat Tillman.

ESPN

It is too easy to forget those who put their lives on the line daily. Perhaps this death will help us to remember. I know it is bringing it home to me.

[tesco samoa]

wow AK. This has really hit home with you.

I raised a glass tonight for you and your pain over Mr. Tillman.

Take Care

Simon

[narf poit chez BOOM]

The sad thing is, so many people die, I can't care enough about all of them, only far less than they deserve.

[Alpha Kodiak]

Originally posted by tesco samoa:
wow AK. This has really hit home with you.

I raised a glass tonight for you and your pain over Mr. Tillman.

Take Care

Simon

Thanks Tesco. I followed Tillman's career at Arizona State University, then when he was with the Arizona Cardinals. He was a player that excelled when everyone thought he couldn't because of his size and speed. I enjoyed watching him because of his heart and attitude. When he gave up his career to join the army, it really impressed me. There are so many athletes (and other people, for that matter) who are caught up in themselves, and he provided a marked contrast to that. I guess that since I had been a fan of his as a football player it just seems almost like I know him a little bit. Since his story was probably not so well known outside of Arizona, I wanted to make sure that people understood just what sort of a man he was.

As for the pain, it will pass quickly for me. It is just a reminder to me of what a lot of very brave individuals are doing for me all of the time. Those that will have to deal with it for real are his wife, parents, brothers and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as the families and friends of the others who are dying in places far from home.

[Grandpa Kim]

Originally posted by Atrocities:

quote:

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Originally posted by Ragnarok-X:
just wondering, why EXACTLY do you consider this man a "hero" ?

I for one define "hero" by other words/abilities/things

I guess if we have to explain it to you, then it is most likely you may not understand. For that I am truly sorry.

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Ragnarok-X, I guess you and I are just not smart enough to understand... or perhaps our standards are higher.

These days a person dies from cancer and is a hero, a crossing guard gets run over and is a hero, a woman is attacked and lies dying a ditch for a week and is a hero. I'm sorry, these people had no choice so how could they be heroic?

Mr. Tillman was under orders, on patrol, he was merely doing his job. That does not make him a hero. Something else I'm unaware of may make him a hero, but not simply doing his job and having the misfortune to be killed in the process.

Don't get me wrong, I believe Mr. Tillman is a fine example, an outstanding role model for anyone in this sorry world. There are countless others like him, worldwide. What he has done is noble and patriotic, but not heroic.

I tip my hat to a fine citizen of planet earth.

[Renegade 13]

Well I guess I fit in with you Grandpa Kim and Ragnarok-X. I'm afraid I can not consider this man a hero. A hero to me is someone who performs an action or deed which goes way beyond what is expected of him, and way beyond what the vast majority of the population would do. A knowing sacrifice of ones self for another would be considered heroic by me. But the man we are talking about did not join the army knowing he was going to sacrifice his life for another. He probably expected to return. His life was cut short by a fanatical person, who is probably thought of as a hero by his own people. Therefore, heroism depends completely on your point of view. And, from my point of view, although this man may be patriotic and basically a good person, I can not consider him a hero.

This is simply my opinion, please no one take offense from it. I know there are many people who would disagree with me, but that's what makes the world interesting isn't it??

Tyrel