Re: A moment of silence for Dale Earnhardt Sr. (archive)

Something to think about!
>
> 19 February 2001
>
> On 18 February 2001, while racing for fame and fortune, Dale Earnhardt died in
> the last lap of the Daytona 500. It was surely a tragedy for his family,
> friends and fans. He was 49 years old with grown children, one, which was in
> the race. I am new to the NASCAR culture so much of what I know has come from
> the newspaper and TV. He was a winner and earned everything he had. This
> included more than "$41 million in winnings and ten times that from
> endorsements and souvenir sales". He had a beautiful home and a private jet.
> He drove the most sophisticated cars allowed and every part was inspected and
> replaced as soon as there was any evidence of wear. This is normally fully
> funded by the car and team sponsors. Today, there is no TV station that does
> not constantly remind us of his tragic end and the radio already has a song of
> tribute to this winning driver. Nothing should be taken away from this man, he
> was a professional and the best in his profession. He was in a very dangerous
> business but the rewards were great.
>
> Two weeks ago seven U.S. Army soldiers died in a training accident when two
> UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters collided during night maneuvers in Hawaii. The
> soldiers were all in their twenties, pilots, crewchiefs and infantrymen.
>
> Most of them lived in sub-standard housing. If you add their actual duty hours
> (in the field, deployed) they probably earn something close to minimum wage.
> The aircraft they were in were between 15 and 20 years old.
>
> Many times parts were not available to keep them in good shape due to funding.
> They were involved in the extremely dangerous business of flying in the Kuhuku
> mountains at night. It only gets worse when the weather moves in as it did
> that night. Most times no one is there with a yellow or red flag to slow
> things down when it gets critical. Their children where mostly toddlers who
> will lose all memory of who "Daddy" was as they grow up. They died training to
> defend our freedom.
>
> I take nothing away from Dale Earnhardt but ask you to perform this simple
> test. Ask any of your friends if they know who was the NASCAR driver killed on
> 18 February 2001. Then ask them if they can name one of the seven soldiers who
> died in Hawaii two weeks ago.
>
> 18 February 2001, Dale Earnhardt died driving for fame and glory at the
> Daytona 500. The nation mourns. Seven soldiers died training to protect our
> freedom. No one can remember their names.
>
>
> This was written by a retired member of our Armed Forces. I have ommitted his name.
Food for thought
LTC Earl C. Myers II, U.S. Army
74 BMW 2002
72 Volvo 1800ES

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