Often—too often, perhaps—is the sports field compared to the battlefield.
To a certain extent, the analogy is accurate. Soldiers and football players alike operate largely on adrenaline; blood, sweat, and tears have their places on each field; immense pressure is placed on both sets of men to win—the thought of losing dare not enter their minds; and intense physical training is undertaken to become fit for either.
However, that is where the similarities end, for the two differ greatly in their general purpose: that is to say, murder has no place in sport.
Today—the 91st anniversary of the end of World War I—this article does not intend to debate the right or wrong of war, nor even the morality of such; rather, simply to remember, honour, and respect the sacrifices of athletes past and present who have given their lives, limbs, and careers for their countries.
The list that follows is by no means complete; indeed, it barely scratches the surface. Any who have been missed may be added in the comment section.
Jack Lummus: Awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions on Iwo Jima in 1945.
Joe Pinder:
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