Posted on 04/26/2004 7:06:42 PM PDT by lizmac
Though not a boxing related issue, there are times when one must contemplate the existence and untimely loss of those who truly do make a difference; those who define courage and integrity, and those who truly are American heroes.
Every person who has paid the ultimate price in order to secure the freedoms Americans enjoy to the point where most take them for granted is both a hero and an architect of humanity. Everything one needs to know about how special and truly different America is was on display in the ESPN2 co-feature. In 1995 Giorbis Barthelemy attempted to swim the 90-mile distance of ocean which separates Florida from Cuba ... Barthelemy was at sea for over two days and on death’s door before being rescued by American patrol boats.
Barthelemy’s is hardly an isolated case and America became the country it has on the backs of profound sacrifices made by many. Though most sacrifices go unnoticed, occasionally the circumstances of valor and honor exhibited are so profound, they leave a mark which is forever lasting. In this case I am speaking of Pat Tillman.
Tillman was not only a newly wed man; he was a professional athlete who gave up a multi-million dollar career in the NFL following the Al-Queda terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001. Profoundly dedicated to the safety of America and of it’s citizens, Tillman, who refused all interviews during this time period, enlisted in the military in May of 2002, becoming a member of the Army Rangers' Special Forces division. Tillman lost his life during an exchange of gunfire against Al-Queda forces in Afghanistan on Thursday, April 22nd. Tillman was 27.
A movement is currently underway to honor the former Arizona Cardinal safety. An unnamed friend of Tillman’s will be making a proposal to the NFL league office, requesting to have the 40 yard-line markers of every NFL field changed from the traditional white striping to that of red, white and blue in memory of Tillman, who wore No. 40 during his five year NFL career. Those wishing to see the NFL adopt this as permanent policy are encouraged to contact the league offices at (212) 450-2000.
(Excerpt) Read more at maxboxing.com ...
The below tribute to Pat Tillman was originally published by Yasotay.
In the beginning there came a man to the world, a protector and savior of men. He spoke the language of many--mostly he spoke care and concern for his fellowmen. He was trained in the arts of war and killing. He was the ultimate warrior. One who stood among men not as a god or noble -- but as another man. Just a man. His exploits were far and many and many of his enemies he did kill -- always protecting his people and his land. He understood sacrifice and he offered his life to his country and its people. For him, life was hard and many scorned him as a killer. That was easier than trying to understand his dedication to his people. Women feared and loved him for his mysterious ways of seeing life. Nobles saw him as a lesser individual who didn't know that the real values in life were money and power. To them he was ignorant. To his comrades he was a brother who understands all. To his family he was pride and honor. To himself he was a man of special dedication -- one who puts his country and his people before anything else in his life. God saw him as a son for He saw in the man sacrifice, love, and courage while he was scorned for his beliefs. Jesus saw him as a special brother and saves a special place in heaven for him. His enemies saw him as the reaper of death and they feared him. The warrior, the soldier, the Ranger, the soul child who sits in the lap of the King Immortal Supreme. The blood from his body will always stain the earth. The earth will swallow his body and the sky will always offer her tears to his memory.
Dedicated to those who fought and died before me giving me the soil on which I stand and love and serve to defend. To those Rangers before me who have given honor and standards in courage to live up to. Oh God, I pray that I never fail myself. May my children never feel the hand of Evil that lurks as a shadow over the world.
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