Brain Fertilizer

Kevin brings up a valid point regarding Pat Tillman's death in Afghanistan. While I respectfully offer a differing take on the issue in the comments, his point is well taken, and it caused me to reflect on my true feelings, as we all should.

Just now on ESPN, Chris Berman said something that I think is accurate: He said that Tillman is getting alot of attention not because his sacrifice is any greater, but because he reminds us again of the greatness of every sacrifice.
I think that's true.
When more than 700 have died in Iraq, we can forget that each one of those left a family. Just as Todd Beemer and "Let's Roll" gave us the face of 9/11, I think that Pat Tillman gives us the face of the GWOT. He becomes an Everyman, not eclipsing all others, but embodying them.

On the other hand, we should not idolize Pat Tillman too much. The grief of his family is no greater than the grief of the family of any other fallen. His sacrifice is no greater, but no less, than that of any other soldier who risked his life for the nation. Yes, I said, risked, not gave up. Because every Soldier or Marine or Airman or Sailor who steps out on the battlefield has taken the same risk...it is only circumstance or the enemy who makes the final determination who will pay for that risk. Some live, while others die. Some die that others may live. All have placed themselves in harm's way, all have placed their own bodies --their own loves, their own fears, their very existence-- in between this civilization and those who would destroy it.

Remember them in your prayers.