What is a hero?

Texas1st · 02-28-2005, 07:20 PM

Man Called Hero Remembered In Town Square Memorial

TYLER, Texas -- Friends remembered Mark Alan Wilson on Sunday as a man who was defending his home when he tried to stop a gunman who opened fire on the Smith County courthouse square.

"He saw evil in the city streets of Tyler and he acted instinctively and decisively to stop it with no regard for his own safety," friend Russell Harris told a crowd of about 200 people who attended a memorial for Wilson, 52.

Harris said no one was surprised by Wilson's actions.

"When we hear of evil, mayhem and death happening to good people, we may take a moment to shake our heads or talk about it by the watercooler at work, but the point is we hardly miss a beat ... until it hits close to home," Harris said. "Now we are left only with questions. Why did this happen? Could this have been prevented?"

Wilson died Thursday afternoon after grabbing his gun and heading to the courthouse square to confront David Hernandez Arroyo Sr., 43, who was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. Arroyo killed his ex-wife, Maribel Estrada, 41, and Wilson and wounded three law enforcement officers and his son.

Harris and three others who spoke at the memorial said Wilson loved downtown Tyler. He lived in a second-story loft apartment on the square and just returned home from lunch when the shootings began. Police credited Wilson with saving the life of David Hernandez Arroyo Jr.

Paul Jefferson recalled watching Saturday morning cartoons with Wilson when they were children.

"We were mesmerized by the adventures of the superheroes and as we grew older we would fantasize about doing great things," Jefferson said. "On the last day of his life, he did the greatest thing in his life to protect others."

To all who carry in the name of "Self-defense", remember this man's courage and selflessness, putting others before his safety while asking nothing in return. If ever faced with such a dilema, I hope that I can meet it with half the courage he did.

To all who claim the right to bear arms, and possess such rifles as the Norinko, Yugo, or Romanian SKS, or even the AK-47, or even a .22lr, remember even the strongest of us can reach a breaking point. Ask for help before you reach yours.

Apollyon67 · 02-28-2005, 08:30 PM

What can you say about a man willing to give his life to save others kknowing the peril he was getting into. I hope his family understands what he felt needed to be done. Texas1st I too hope I would show the same courage and selflessness when necessary.

alan c. · 03-01-2005, 10:35 AM

What part of Texas do you live?

Texas1st · 03-02-2005, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan c.

What part of Texas do you live?

North Central, just north of Dallas.

02-28-2005, 07:20 PM	#1
Texas1st Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Depinahearta, TX Posts: 48	What is a hero? Man Called Hero Remembered In Town Square Memorial TYLER, Texas -- Friends remembered Mark Alan Wilson on Sunday as a man who was defending his home when he tried to stop a gunman who opened fire on the Smith County courthouse square. "He saw evil in the city streets of Tyler and he acted instinctively and decisively to stop it with no regard for his own safety," friend Russell Harris told a crowd of about 200 people who attended a memorial for Wilson, 52. Harris said no one was surprised by Wilson's actions. "When we hear of evil, mayhem and death happening to good people, we may take a moment to shake our heads or talk about it by the watercooler at work, but the point is we hardly miss a beat ... until it hits close to home," Harris said. "Now we are left only with questions. Why did this happen? Could this have been prevented?" Wilson died Thursday afternoon after grabbing his gun and heading to the courthouse square to confront David Hernandez Arroyo Sr., 43, who was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. Arroyo killed his ex-wife, Maribel Estrada, 41, and Wilson and wounded three law enforcement officers and his son. Harris and three others who spoke at the memorial said Wilson loved downtown Tyler. He lived in a second-story loft apartment on the square and just returned home from lunch when the shootings began. Police credited Wilson with saving the life of David Hernandez Arroyo Jr. Paul Jefferson recalled watching Saturday morning cartoons with Wilson when they were children. "We were mesmerized by the adventures of the superheroes and as we grew older we would fantasize about doing great things," Jefferson said. "On the last day of his life, he did the greatest thing in his life to protect others." To all who carry in the name of "Self-defense", remember this man's courage and selflessness, putting others before his safety while asking nothing in return. If ever faced with such a dilema, I hope that I can meet it with half the courage he did. To all who claim the right to bear arms, and possess such rifles as the Norinko, Yugo, or Romanian SKS, or even the AK-47, or even a .22lr, remember even the strongest of us can reach a breaking point. Ask for help before you reach yours. __________________ Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from.

02-28-2005, 08:30 PM	#2
Apollyon67 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 2,214	What can you say about a man willing to give his life to save others kknowing the peril he was getting into. I hope his family understands what he felt needed to be done. Texas1st I too hope I would show the same courage and selflessness when necessary. __________________ "To err is human, to repent divine; to persist devilish." Ben Franklin

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03-01-2005, 10:35 AM	#3
alan c. Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pasadena,Tejas - also known as Texas Posts: 3,748	What part of Texas do you live?