|
While I wish Gen Patton's advice to "let the other ... die for his country" could apply in every case, we need to remember that the down side risk of military service is that, as my old Sergeant Major used to say, "sometimes you earn your money the hard way". By this he meant that a soldier needs to come to grips that the worst might happen and he might have to really lay it on the line. Pat Tillman had much to live for but he died acting to rescue his fellow soldiers. He is a hero in general for volunteering and for being willing to serve his country and its ideals at no matter how great the cost. He is a hero specifically for the actions which won him the Silver Star, a medal not given lightly and requiring very great gallentry and heroism under fire. There is an old Latin phrase that seems appropriate to Pat's sacrifice and one that I think he would both approve and appreciate. Dulce et decorum est pro Patria mori!
When my Uncle went to Viet Nam my Grandmother told him her advice was to do a good job, don't go looking for trouble, and come home safe and sound, BUT, if the worst came to the worst remember that the last thing you do in life is die, so, DO IT WELL. I'd say Pat Tillman did it well!
|
Threaded Mode