There have been many Americans killed in Iraq, and we all know there are
Calontiri and other members of the SCA serving our nation. There is one
soldier who died yesterday who I have never met, who I know nothing
about except what is reported on the news, but for whom I had a
tremendous amount of respect.

His name was Pat Tillman. I don't expect that name to be familiar to
most of you, as not everyone is a fan of the NFL. However, two years
ago, he turned down a $3.6million contract to play for the Arizona
Cardinals. He had a chance to be a very successful football player and
earn enough money to live a comfortable life, but he turned it down to
enlist in the army and become a Ranger.

He went to war. He died yesterday.  He turned his back on a dream, a
dream which would have given him a great life. He turned his back on
that dream to pursue another dream, a dream of honor and courage and
duty. I realize that I'm not being fair to all of the other soldiers who
have given their life in this war and I realize that they had dreams
just as worthy and hopeful, but I have to salute Mr. Tillman personally.
I am doubtful that I could have had the strength to make that choice.

Thank you

Rhodri

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1788232

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/football/nfl/04/23/tillman.killed/
index.html?cnn=yes