On this Anzac Day

There was still some activity at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier this Anzac afternoon, which was refreshing to see. I had made my visit yesterday—it’s still a moving walk up the steps and an even more moving one leaving. I saw families going there, and kids being taught at a young age the sacrifice of those who had fallen in war, so we can enjoy the liberties that we have today.
   And tonight, I notice the Americans have been holding an inquiry on Pat Tillman’s death by friendly fire. No matter how politicized they want to make it, I still say Cpl Tillman was a hero. In my eyes, he had honour. He gave up a career for a cause greater than himself. I do not think covering up the cause of death was right, and the fact the Army initially lied to his parents was disgraceful, but I still cannot help feeling that some politicians want to cheapen this man’s sacrifice.
   I can increasingly understand why the Yanks have a low election turnout compared to, say, the French—who managed 85 per cent in their first round in their Presidential Election. If a regular Joe like me 7,000 miles away can understand that Cpl Tillman deserves respect for standing by his beliefs (whether we agree with them or not), and their own politicians want to use his name to further their agenda, then it’s little wonder.
   Some politicians say that the Pentagon used Pat Tillman as a poster child for the war in Afghanistan. They are now using him as a poster child for the anti-war movement. Neither befits this man’s memory.