Commerative Speech free essay sample

It would be extremely difficult to walk away from millions of dollars doing something you have been doing since a child to protect people that you do not even know. This is what Patrick Tillman did. In 2001 Pat Tillman was a football player for the Arizona Cardinals. He was reaching the peak of his football career. But following the terrorist attacks on September 11th 2001, Pat made a decision that would significantly impact the rest of his life. He decided to walk away from a multimillion dollar NFL contract to join the Army and fight for his country. And in November 2003 he was deployed to Afghanistan. While fighting for America’s freedom on April 22, 2004 he was killed by friendly fire. Despite his death, his story can provide inspiration for everybody to become better people. Tillman possessed many positive characteristics and values that everybody should strive to have. Some of the characteristics include selflessness and bravery. We will write a custom essay sample on Commerative Speech or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Pat did what many people are far too afraid to do. He joined the Army, knowing the consequences. Pat demonstrated great bravery. He could have continued playing football but he wanted to fight for his country. He volunteered knowing he would be in great danger. Many people feel that football players are brave because they have freakishly strong and athletic players chasing them down and trying to injure them. But that is nothing compared to heading to another country and being the target of another countries weapons. Bad injuries and head trauma can occur on the football field. But that comes with money and many other luxuries. On the battlefield people can end up dead and with mental traumas from what they see out there. Despite knowing the risks Pat was brave and wanted to fight for his country. Another great characteristic of Pat is his unselfishness. If I asked the majority of people if they would take a million dollars doing something they love or fight in the Army and risk their lives. We all know what most people would say. But not Pat. Pat realized there are more important things in life then playing football or being pretty. People are sacrificing their lives so people can enjoy their everyday freedoms and Pat understood that. He wanted to help people whether that put his life in jeopardy or not. Pat in many ways could have been considered a celebrity. But he did not care. When he joined the Army he didn’t ask for any extra attention. He didn’t give interviews explaining his decision because he knew that just how it had to be done. Pat could have had made millions of dollars but because of his unselfishness he decided it would be best for him to put his life at risk and protect the many Americans freedoms. The glamour and fame did not impact Tillman like it does so many others. Pat Tillman is a true patriot. When something was being done to his country that he did not like he took direct action. Pat could have continued to play football but he decided protecting America was far more important. Pat knew he could do more for more people in a United States Army uniform then a Arizona Cardinals uniform. Putting America above yourself in America’s time of need makes a true patriot, and Pat did that. Just like every other country America has its problems. But people like Tillman realize that and will do anything to make their country a better place to live. Many bad things could have happened to Pat but he did not care because of his unselfishness, bravery, and patriotism. Pats story inspires many people to become better people. There are many more important things in life that are often overshadowed by sports, facebook and many other things. Pat and other soldiers fought for people’s freedoms which now are often taken for granted.