Memorial Day Thoughts & Two Redskins that Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice

Being a Vet, and the grandson of a man who served his country in three wars, becoming a POW in one of them, this day holds significant meaning to me.  While this site is reserved for Redskins football or atleast sports related content, I think one day out of the year to tip our collective hats to vets is acceptable.

As we all know Pat Tillman former Saftey of the Arizona Cardinals was killed in Afghanistan. What makes the story all the more captivating is that he chose to serve instead of being a millionare. What a lot of people don't know is that during World War II, several men left pro football to serve their country as well. Unfortunatly some had to pay the ultimate price so others may have freedom. Here is a list of
Pro Football's Wartime Heroes.

It includes two former Redskins.

Maj. Keith Birlem (E, Cardinals-Washington, 1939) – Killed trying to land combat damaged bomber in England in 1943

Lt. Eddie Kahn (G, Boston/Washington, 1935-1937) – Died from wounds suffered during Leyte invasion in 1945

So in closing , if you see a Vet tell him or her thanks for the freedom they provide and in most cases they'll reply  "I was just doing my duty"