Tillman’s family clarifies his legacy
Pat Tillman’s legacy is so strong, so profound, that it is shocking how shoddily it has been treated since his death.
More than 13 years after Tillman was killed in Afghanistan, people still want to turn the former Arizona Cardinals defensive back into a pawn for their beliefs.
It happened almost immediately after his death. It happened again this week. And his family is sick of it. “As a football player and solider, Pat inspired countless Americans to unify,” his widow, Marie, said in a statement to CNN. “It is my hope that his memory should always remind people that we must come together.
“Pat’s service, along with that of every man and woman’s service, should never be politicized in a way that divides us. We are too great a country for that.”
Marie Tillman’s response came after President Trump retweeted a follower’s tweet that contained an image of Tillman along with the words: “He fought 4our country/freedom. #StandForOurAnthem #BoycottNFL”
Tillman, who grew up in San Jose, is yet another Bay Area athlete who stood for what he believed in. He quit the NFL to become an Army Ranger after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But during his service, he became anti-war; throughout his life, he held political views many would consider liberal. Those who knew him firmly believe he would support the right of athletes to protest.
He already has been used as a political pawn following his death by friendly fire in 2004. In the aftermath, the U.S. government deliberately covered up the circumstances of his death to preserve its image, including lying to his family. Tillman’s survivors fought back then.
Now, they’re having to do it again.
“The very action of self expression and the freedom to speak from one’s heart — no matter those views — is what Pat and so many other Americans have given their lives for. Even if they didn’t always agree with those views,” Marie Tillman said.
“It is my sincere hope that our leaders both understand and learn from the lessons of Pat’s life and death, and also those of so many other brave Americans.”