May 6, 2004

ValleyViewpoints

Former residents suggest renaming Leland High after Pat Tillman

Editor,

We no longer live in the Bay Area, but my wife and I grew up in Almaden Valley (actually went to Branham High years ago). We’re both in the Navy and think it might be a lasting tribute to Pat if they considered renaming Leland High School to Pat Tillman High School.

Kids these days need to understand what sacrifice means and I can’t think of a better example right now than Pat. That would be a real way to honor and remember him, I think.

Feel free to pass along this idea on to those who might be able to run with it.

Brent and Mary Meyer
Henderson, Nev.

Reader suggests gym or football field be named after Tillman

Editor,

As an alumni (‘79) of Leland High School, although I personally never had the honor of meeting Pat Tillman, I know of many that have, and I had watched Pat play at Leland, ASU, and in the NFL.

I share in the admiration and respect that so many others have expressed for Pat and his accomplishments. I believe that if the school district is considering naming or dedicating a facility at Leland, the gym and/or football field should be renamed after Pat Tillman.

Bob Nigh
Wallace Drive

How to donate to the Pat Tillman Foundation

Editor,

My name is Lisa Terry and I am writing to you because my husband and I would like to donate money to the Pat Tillman family. Do you have his family’s address? What would you recommend?

What a terrible tragedy. My husband and I both went to Leland High School and went to high school with the Tillman boys. My sister also went to Leland and knew Pat Tillman; he was in some of her classes. I can’t believe how this tragedy happened to such a wonderful person and what a great impact that Pat’s [death has had on] everyone. At least he did something that that he wanted to do and served his country…Not many people would give up their NFL career and serve their country. He did what he thought was best.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tillman family.

Lisa Terry
Umbarger Road

Editor’s response: To make a donation to the Pat Tillman Foundation, send a check to: The Pat Tillman Foundation, P.O. Box 20053, San Jose, CA 95160.

Bush and photographs of abuse

Editor,

I don’t know that much about Islam, but I believe that, at its core, it has a lot in common with every other religion—do unto others, etc. It is, as I understand it, a religion of peace.

There is a fanatical faction that has hijacked and defamed Muslims, but, just like the religious right in this country, the extremists represent neither the true religion nor all of its followers. That being said, both fanatical and the everyday Islamists are going to have a field day looking at the photos of the Iraqis we abused and they will want revenge on the U.S. We have committed an indelible sin and the credit will be given to George W. Bush, but it will be regular Americans, including our soldiers and civilians, who will pay. Bush doesn’t even seem particularly bothered by the whole ordeal. I know he doesn’t read newspapers, but I hope he will at least look at the photos.

Maybe then he will finally begin to understand the gravity, complexity, and delicate nature of our discord with the Arab people and do something, anything, to try to mend it.

Calvin Sparrow
Cowper Street
Palo Alto