Remember Pat Tillman

There is a home-made sign above the 22 freeway in Garden Grove that says "Remember Pat Tillman." The sign kind of appeared out of nowhere, and I have to admit that it made me feel a little ashamed that I hadn't put something up about Pat prior to taking off for Memorial Day Weekend.

There still hasn't been enough done to preserve the memory of Tillman. The league's official website wasn't too interested in publishing stories on Tillman this weekend. Obviously it's a shame that Pat died defending our country on foreign soil instead of surprising some burglars with sword. Sometimes politics plays into these decisions, and that's just not right.

The problem is that Pat wouldn't have wanted all of the attention to himself. He likely never felt that he was above any of the other soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Why should his life be celebrated more because he was an NFL football player? Does that make his life more valuable?

No, it doesn't. But whether he would have liked it or not, Pat is the face of the war. When we take the time to remember Pat, we are remembering all of those who have served. If we need reminders to think of Pat, what chance do the rest of them have, right?

Hopefully something should be done. The College Football Hall of Fame is putting Tillman on its ballot this season. And you could argue that his on-field college exploits might not have been enough to get him in, but he certainly deserves the induction. College football also could make a pretty incredible gesture by retiring his No. 42. All of these kids playing college football could use a reminder of what it is all about.

At least something more than a sign on a Southern California freeway.