Remembering Pat Tillman: Strong-willed and humble, former Cardinals star was indescribably rare

In a way, his willingness to pay the ultimate price in defense of his country stands as a stands as a very public symbol of all those more anonymous dead of whom you speak. Don't resent the attention Pat Tillman's service and death will justly receive, for it calls attention to the bravery and sacrific of all the others. In death, he stands for all our honored dead.

Exactly. Well put, friend.

41 posted on 04/23/2004 4:04:58 PM PDT by Vigilantcitizen (Rest in peace, Pat Tillman.)

Some events just leave one speechless. I will remember patriot and hero Pat Tillman and his family in my prayers this evening.

42 posted on 04/23/2004 4:14:57 PM PDT by TOUGH STOUGH (A vote for president Bush IS a vote for principle.)

To: Vigilantcitizen

Ever since 9/11, the tears flow for so much loss caused by this terrible enemy of ours...I pray the Rangers are the group that gets Bin Laden and it would be nice if it were this weekend!

43 posted on 04/23/2004 4:15:14 PM PDT by princess leah

Prayers for your sons and you, Pat, and all who serve and have served and their loved ones. May God be with you all.

44 posted on 04/23/2004 4:16:05 PM PDT by xp38

Best Role Model in Sports
Ex-Cardinal Pat Tillman traded his football helmet for an Army helmet to serve his country.
Sept. 15, 2002 12:00:00

He drove a Schwinn, not a Saab, to his first Cardinals practice. He worked his way from a seventh-round pick to starting at strong safety and leading the team in tackles. In the off-season, just for kicks, he ran marathons and completed triathlons. So it shouldn't have surprised anyone that Tillman turned down a chance to earn $3 million the next three years to become an Army Ranger.

The best role model in sports isn't even in sports anymore.

And he's refusing to talk about it, rejecting interview requests from every major network. He told friends he isn't doing it for publicity.

It's official. Pat Tillman is the coolest guy we know.

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/best2002/aroundtown/articles/0915bestrolemodel.html

45 posted on 04/23/2004 4:17:27 PM PDT by theophilusscribe

I've always considered myself a patriotic American, but what Pat tillman did makes me feel woefully inadequate. When the story first broke about his quitting football, I had to ask myself if in the same situation would I do the same. To be honest, probably not. Both of the Tillman brothers are great Americans and are to be emulated. It is both a sad day and a glorious day for patriotism. The Tillman family is to be praised in that they raised two true patriots to rank with any in USA history

46 posted on 04/23/2004 4:20:26 PM PDT by Damagro

To: theophilusscribe

Tillman brothers to receive Ashe Award

Brothers Pat and Kevin Tillman, who in the midst of professional sports careers chose to serve their country by enlisting in the Army, have been named recipients of the 11th annual Arthur Ashe Courage Award, to be given Wed., July 16 during the live ESPY Awards telecast on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET. The award, presented annually to individuals whose contributions transcend sports, will be accepted by Richard Tillman, Pat and Kevin's younger brother, at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre, site of the ESPY Awards.

Former Arizona Cardinals safety, Pat Tillman, along with his brother Kevin will receive the Author Ashe Courage Award for choosing the U.S. army over pro sports.

In addition, Pat and Kevin's parents, Pat, Sr. and Mary, as well as other family members will be in attendance. Thurs., July 10, 2003, would have been Arthur Ashe's 60th birthday.

Pat Tillman played four seasons for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals as a safety after starring at Arizona State University. In May of 2002, Pat announced his intentions to join the Army, turning down a $3.6 million contract offer in the process. Both he and his brother Kevin, a former minor league baseball prospect in the Cleveland Indians organization, committed to three-year military terms, landing spots with the elite U.S. Army Rangers. The two served in the Middle East as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of the most notable aspects of the Tillmans' story, which will be portrayed as part of the ESPY Awards telecast, is the fact that the brothers have decided to decline all of the countless requests over the last year to tell their story publicly. They've remained quiet and in turn, have chosen not to take part in the ESPY Awards. The tribute piece during the show will mark the first time that family and friends have decided to speak about Pat and Kevin's situation.

"The Tillman brothers' story is remarkably inspiring," said Ron Semiao, senior vice president, ESPN Original Entertainment. "They turned their backs on stardom and potential fortune, dedicated themselves to a larger cause and never once sought glory or recognition. Pat and Kevin's approach of leading by example is reminiscent of the way Arthur Ashe lived his life and like Arthur, the Tillmans' decisions have had a profound impact."

Last year, The Arthur Ashe Courage Award honored Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett and Jeremy Glick, four passengers who lost their lives September 11 on United Flight 93. Previous recipients include: Jim Valvano (1993), Steve Palermo (1994) Howard Cosell (1995), Loretta Claiborne (1996), Muhammad Ali (1997), Dean Smith (1998), Billie Jean King (1999), Dave Sanders (2000) and Cathy Freeman (2001).

The ESPY Awards will air on ESPN live from Hollywood's Kodak Theatre on July 16 at 9 p.m. ET.

http://espn.go.com/espy2003/s/2003/0701/1575429.html

47 posted on 04/23/2004 4:21:20 PM PDT by theophilusscribe

To: ExSoldier; Coop

He couldn't believe such a gifted young man would choose such a dangerous course in life and "all for nothing" as this puking leftist likes to constantly whine.

Sometimes the best thing to say to folks like this is, "I can understand why he did it. If you can't, maybe there's something you just haven't figured out yet." Then I just walk away.

48 posted on 04/23/2004 4:23:15 PM PDT by A_perfect_lady (Let them eat cake.)

You tell that puke teacher that I said he isn't fit to even speak about Pat Tillman let alone judge his decisions.

49 posted on 04/23/2004 4:24:21 PM PDT by ItisaReligionofPeace (I'm from the government and I'm here to help.)

"all for nothing"

The irony is that if he has his way, and gets the US to turn tail and run, it will have been for nothing.

I have many friends and family killed or wounded in combat. It breaks my heart when people can't or won't appreciate the sacrifice they made.

50 posted on 04/23/2004 4:24:38 PM PDT by tjg

Leftists aren't "sick," nor are they ruled by their emotions more than anyone else. ... Rather, they believe in a statist ideology.

I understand what you mean, but from what I can tell, they believe that ideology, even in the face of all its highly visible failures in the 20th century, because they are either seduced by its appeal to their emotions, or by a -- yes -- sick hatred of the way the exceptional use freedom to achieve. But that's my take on it.

51 posted on 04/23/2004 4:28:21 PM PDT by A_perfect_lady (Let them eat cake.)

Pat Tillman: Strong-willed and humble, former Cardinals star was indescribably rare

No, he wasn't.

He was a Man.

52 posted on 04/23/2004 4:31:48 PM PDT by Psycho_Bunny

Ditto to that. There is hope for us all as long as we have Pat Tillmans in this country. I hope his family understands our sympathy and gratitude.

53 posted on 04/23/2004 4:32:44 PM PDT by somemoreequalthanothers

God bless Pat. He beat the rest of us home.

54 posted on 04/23/2004 4:36:04 PM PDT by Big Horn (A waist is a terrible thing to mind.)

Senator Liberman [sp?] was on Sean Hannidy and they were talking about him and other servicemen and women.

After what the democrat party, with the full support of Lieberman did to the military residents of Florida in the '00 election I do not see how any democrat can look any serviceman, or woman in the eye.

In my opinion, that was the most despicible thing that has ever been done to military personnel.

If anyone does not know what the democrats did Freep Mail me and I will respond by same to enlighten you.

55 posted on 04/23/2004 4:38:55 PM PDT by sport

Forget about hammering the Libs today....Pat Tillman epitomizes everything I wish I could be....and everything I strive to be...

Thank you, Pat...and thank you to all of you who have made the sacrifice so that I can live the American Dream....

I will never forget you...

56 posted on 04/23/2004 4:44:52 PM PDT by governorjim

Dear ValerieUSA, please thank your sons for me. I do not know them or you but I am still very proud of all of you. I never was in the military service of our great country and today I feel ashamed because of that.

I envy you that you have such wonderful children that are defending me and other Americans so we can enjoy the pleasures of freedom.

Now that I'm too old to join up, all I can do is say a heartfelt thank you to you and your fine sons, and all the other fine servicemen and women who have chosen this path.

May God bless you and keep your family safe.

Thanks

57 posted on 04/23/2004 4:46:51 PM PDT by Licensed-To-Carry (All American should be extremly proud of our Armed Services. Thank You)

Before you leave give them all a prayer rug.

58 posted on 04/23/2004 4:47:05 PM PDT by lonestar (Me, too!--Weinie)

Pat Tillman epitomizes everything I wish I could be....and everything I strive to be... Thank you, Pat...and thank you to all of you who have made the sacrifice so that I can live the American Dream.... I will never forget you...

Beautifully put.

60 posted on 04/23/2004 5:34:45 PM PDT by Coop (Freedom isn't free)

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