In recent weeks, debate has raged over the statues that fill public property. For the most part, debate has been limited to whether or not statues of former Confederate leaders are appropriate for public spaces. However, some have spread that argument to founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson, and European explorers like Christopher Columbus.

While most of the controversy has surrounded whether or not to take statues down, an Alabama county recently caused a stir by building a new Confederate memorial. Predictably, many liberals in favor of tearing them down weren’t pleased with the new addition.

At this point, it may seem impossible for anyone to agree what kind of memorial is appropriate. However, most should be able to agree that the new statue erected at Arizona State University is a well-deserved tribute.

From ESPN:

The walls around Sun Devil Stadium and the new football complex are lined with photos of Pat Tillman. Images of the former player and Army Ranger can be found across the campus and around town too.

Now there’s a bronze likeness of one of the greatest Sun Devils in school history.

Arizona State unveiled a bronze statue of Tillman during a ceremony at Sun Devil Stadium on Wednesday, a monument designed as a tribute to the man who gave so much and as inspiration to the players trying to follow in his footsteps.

While Tillman became well-known for his successes on the football field, it was his selfless sense of duty that set him apart from his peers:

Tillman played at Arizona State from 1994-97 and went on to play for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals before walking away from a multimillion-dollar contract to serve his country in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Tillman became an Army Ranger in 2003 and served until being killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.

To be sure, there aren’t many out there that would be so willing to give up a lucrative NFL career to serve their country. However, Tillman wasn’t your average guy:

“Pat spent his whole life trying to be the best person he could possibly be,” Tillman’s brother, Kevin, said before the drape was dropped. “He didn’t focus on money, he didn’t focus on fame, he didn’t focus on a pretty statue. It was, ‘How can I make myself a better person in all these different facets of my life?’ And ASU gave him an opportunity to do that.”

Clearly, Tillman is an American hero fully deserving of such an honor. For once, there should be no debate.

[Note: This post was authored by Michael Lee. Follow him on Twitter @UAMichaelLee]