Quote:
Originally posted by silent_jay
I just don't understand why this one man should get so much attention, maybe it's just me, all soldiers deserve attention for what they do, just because Mr. Tillman played football and passed up millions of dollars doesn't make him any more special than the kid who joined the army from Mississippi with no education, so he could make a better life for his family. Don't get me wrong Mr. Tillman is a hero, but no more than any other soldier who has died, or served.
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He's no greater than others who have died, it's just a story that resonates. People love the idea of achieving the "American Dream". This guy had more opportunity than 99.9% of the world. People dream of playing professional football. Of being millionaires. Of being "heroes".
He beat the odds in just about everything he did. He was a walk on college football player (almost none of them ever see a minute of playing time). He was drafted into the pros. He was good enough to make it through his rookie year and good enough that other teams wanted him. He stayed loyal to the team that drafted him. He was loyal to his family and even enlisted with his brother. He put his personal beliefs on a higher plane than monetary riches. He became a Ranger. He gave his life for his country.
Millions of people dream about doing just one of these things. I think the reason it resonates so well is the fact that most wouldn't have been strong enough to accomplish a single one of these things.
I guess I just don't look at it as they're singling him out. I look at it as he's representative of people with true character. Anytime character is championed, we're all better off for it. He's a role model. Perhaps no more so than the millions of others who serve honorably but he certainly has an interesting story.