Ask any sports fan if they know of Pat Tillman, and majority of their answers will be, "Yes...he was A TRUE HERO." Pat Tillman, a graduate from the Arizona State University, later played in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals. Tillman turned down millions of dollars and left the NFL after the tragedy of September 11, 2001 to join the United States Army Rangers. This move proved that his love for the game was out weighed by the love for his country; money and publicity is not what he was after. On April 22, 2004 Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan at the hands on the Taliban; or so his family was told by Military officials. It wasn't until several weeks later that the family found out the truth, which was that he was killed by friendly fire.
As a veteran, fellow American and avid sports fan, this blatant coverup by the government is heartbreaking. Every Memorial Day weekend, I cannot help but re-watch stories about Pat Tillman and contemplate what he meant not only to the world of sports, and not only to the brotherhood shared between soldiers, but to this country as a whole.
Memorial Day is more than just a day off from work or school. It is more than just a day to go to the beach, have a couple of beers and throw a BBQ. Memorial Day is a day to be grateful for the fallen soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life for this great nation and the opportunity for all Americans to be free.
Every war has taken someone's child, husband or wife, father or mother, brother or even sister. It's never easy to lose someone we love, but in times of war, a death toll is always expected. What is not expected is to be lied to by the government about how our brave men and women were lost in action.
His family has suffered enough, why can't the Government just tell the truth and let Pat Tillman Rest In Peace.
I hope all of you took a moment to think of all those who gave their life so that we are able to watch our games, tailgate with friends and family, or even place our bets on our favorite teams. Our service members like Pat Tillman, the real and true, AMERICAN HEROES.
