One of the greatest traditions at Arizona State, Pat's Run, kicks off tomorrow morning at 7 AM. Over 10,000 people have preregistered, and that's not including all of the race day sign ups that are sure to happen.
Pat's Run is a great experience. There are a lot of free goodies, and this year's shirt is maroon and will be a workout staple for many participants. But no one does Pat's Run for the free stuff.
This is about the memory of a great American whose life was cut tragically short by friendly fire on April 22, 2004.
Wikipedia:
Patrick Daniel Tillman (November 6, 1976 – April 22, 2004) was an American football player who left his professional sports career and enlisted in the United States Army in May 2002. He joined the United States Army Rangers and served multiple tours in combat before he was killed by "friendly fire" in the mountains of Afghanistan. Details about the circumstances surrounding his death have been the subject of controversy and military investigations.
This is a man we can all model ourselves after, taking his courage, self-sacrifice, and patriotism and applying it to our lives. That is the best way to honor his memory.
Go Devils!