But not for the heroes

We only today learned of his demise, yet so much has already been written and said about Pat Tillman, the embodiment of heroism in our time. I wish I could say something new or more or better than what has already been said.

But all I can think to say is dammit.

Every soldier of every war deserves to come home. But in this case more than some, if not many, Mr. Tillman deserved to come back if for no other reason than to inspire the generations that follow. To instill in them that great sacrifices are not only more important than million dollar paychecks, but that they are endurable and worthy of our attention and participation. Every soldier inspires our honor. But some inspire also our fervor to be honorable ourselves. And to make those sacrifices that would otherwise go unnoticed but not for the heroes.

There was still more hero in him. He should have lived to inspire another day.