Tillman's death shines light on sacrifices made by all soldiers

I received my birthday present in the mail last week, two weeks late, from the tiny country of Qatar. For those of you who aren't geography majors, Qatar is positioned on the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, and it's where my sister, who serves in the Air Force, is stationed.

A few days after the package arrived, I learned of Pat Tillman's untimely death, and if you didn't know of Tillman before this week, you certainly know him by now.

You heard the testimony of the players, coaches and friends who knew Tillman. He did not want his decision to join the Army to be made public or be made a spectacle. Ironically, his story became even bigger in death.

In a world where so-called "heroes" sign ridiculous contracts and receive outrageous sums of money to play with toys, Tillman took a pass when it was his turn to collect on his talents and instead went to fight for something in which he believed.

Tillman obviously isn't the first man to give his life to this war, but he is the first NFL star to fall in action. Does that mean he should be exalted for it? Not anymore than the other soldiers who have laid down their lives; he risked nothing less even though he gave up more.

But we can relate to this tragedy more than any of the others because it's a name we know and a face we recognize, instead of just another name.

It doesn't matter which side of the war you're on or who you're voting for in the fall. Tillman's sacrifice is a symbol of all the soldiers that have given their lives for a cause. Not because they had to, because they chose to.

Tuesday

Tuesday afternoon baseball features what could be a couple of blowouts, although Notre Dame has a good chance at an upset: Dexter at Central; and Sikeston at Notre Dame. 4 p.m.

Thursday

Notre Dame's girls soccer team plays its second big game of the week when it hosts Jackson at 7 p.m.

Thursday also marks the opening of the SEMO Conference Baseball Tournament. It will continue through Monday.

Friday

What could be more fun than taking your kids to Graceland and then spending the night in the ballpark for a Redbirds game? I could think of some things that could be worse, like taking your kids to Neverland. Jack Clark, Bob Forsch and John Tudor will be on hand in Memphis to sign autographs, too.

Saturday

I heard there were "a ton" of people at the game last Wednesday. Good job, guys. Sometimes I think you may actually be paying attention to the things I'm saying. Southeast Missouri State hosts Eastern Kentucky in baseball and softball. Two doubleheaders at the same start time, just a few blocks apart. Take your pick. 1 p.m.

Sunday

The Cubs are in town all weekend, and Monday, but this is the one to see. There is nothing better than Sunday afternoon baseball. 1 p.m.

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Central High School. His column appears every Monday.