Pat Tillman
I remember hearing about Pat Tillman a couple of years ago -- how he gave up fame and fortune in the NFL to go fight for his country. He didn't have to do it...he wanted to.
I was very saddened to hear that he was killed in Afghanistan a few days ago.
I had a class at the main base on Thursday and Friday last week. There's a boat ramp across the street from where the class was held. I sat there in my car listening to the radio while eating lunch on both those days. It was nice, sitting there looking at Pensacola Bay, watching the seagulls and pelicans, smelling the breezy, salty air.
Friday, I listened to Rush Limbaugh comment on Tillman as I sat in my car during lunch. Now, I don't listen to Rush that much anymore, but I think he's okay. I know there are some non-liberals in the blogosphere who despise Rush, but that's not my point here.
My point is that Limbaugh gave a very eloquent and moving tribute not only to Tillman but to all our soldiers who have given up something to defend their country. His point was that we know Tillman's story because he was famous. Rush then reminded us not to forget there were and are many others like Tillman. They all gave up something important and went to serve their country. Some of them made -- and will make -- the ultimate sacrifice. They all deserve nothing less than honor and respect.
As I sat and listened to this while looking at the bay, I thought of how Tillman and the families of other soldiers must feel. When I lost members of my own family due to illnesses, I thought of how they were no longer here under the blue sky, could no longer take in the beauty of the sea or breath the fresh, salty air. Yes, I believe they are in a better place now, but they are not here. I will, hopefully, see them again in that better place someday, but for now, there is an emptiness that will never be filled in this side of time.
When I think of the loss of brave men like Tillman, I pray for their families, I pray for peace, and I pray that their sacrifice will not be in vain.