Death of An American Hero

Articles

Brett Keirstead

Death of An American Hero
Aug 19, 2003

I can never proclaim to be a big student of hockey although I enjoy the sport across multiple levels. Like many people, I find the sport has been overly commercialized and the athletes have become more caught up in the financial and corporate aspect of the game than the game itself. But today even I am saddened by the death of Herb Brooks who clearly was a man that had an amazing impact on the people that knew him publicly or privately. This man was an American Hero and epitomizes the spirit of service, competition and passion of America.

As I listen to the various people recount their experiences with Herb, it is amazing to hear the reverence for him across so many different issues. They talk about him as a coach, mentor, teacher, citizen, American, father, community servant, friend and so many other ways that just bring forward strong emotions of love and admiration. I wonder if the athletes, coaches, parents, political leaders, etc. listen to the way people come out and talk about him and reflect on themselves as role models of behavior and the span of influence they have, like it or not.

America so highly publicizes our heroes and idols when the take a fall (i.e. Kobe) because people love the titilation. Public heroes are prevelant in our soceity and always will be, and Herb Brooks is an example of someone who bring honor to the status. A great quote I read was that he "did not live his life in the past glory" which is a testament to a man not spoiled by success but enriched by it. Here was a guy who stayed true to himself and his family and his sport and did not bring shame upon those that brought him fame. This was a cherished hero of American culture and a true role model for the American way of life. The US would be a better place if all leaders performed their public duty with the honor and grace of Herb Brooks.

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Email Brett Keirstead: brett_keirstead@gelco.com

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