[Vigilantcitizen]

I tend to agree with you. Our family knew the Marine that was killed a few weeks ago. I'm sure you saw his picture on Drudge--he was the one laying on the ground with all of the soldiers praying around him.

He wrote home a week before he was killed, that although he missed his family terribly, he knew that what he was doing in Iraq was his purpose.

His life was no less heroic than Tillman's life. I'm really torn about this. Tillman was obviously someone with great character, but it's the special recognition of him b/c he was a sports celebrity that doesn't sit well with me.

I genuinely hope this helps.

You're right in that Tillman's life means no more than any other person that's paid the ultimate price in serving this great nation, including my grandfather's, nor mine if I had died during my tour of duty in the USN.

But the manner in which he served deserves recognition.

This man gave up the lifelong dream of playing in the NFL, and a $3,000,000 contract, to serve. He called no attention to this act of seflessness, he declined interviews or special attention.

He was that kind of person, and I admire him greatly.

[Barlowmaker]

Beautifully written. I understand AggieMom's sentiments as well. But, it's not a zero sum game, and Tillman's heroic sacrifice takes nothing away from any other. He is "known", and his heroism permits a carthartic response to the honor with which these men and women live, fight ... and tragically die ... in the protection of our American freedom and way of life.

These young men and women have been statistics, numbers and fodder for political manipulation. The Pat Tillman story puts a face on the valor and sacrifice, and that is a good thing for those of us who are the recipients of the courage with which the men and women of our Armed Forces protect our lives, nation and destiny every minute and hour of every day.