Evel Knievel: National & International Acclaim for Butte's Favorite Son

The favorite son of Butte, Montana, Evel Knievel was acknowledged throughout the world and in the United States media.
For those who knew him best, The Montana Standard in Butte, Montana has a beautiful tribute to their favorite son. http//www.mtstandard.com/articles/2007/12/01/butte/hjjcihjijifhej.txt.

Evel summed up his persona eloquently, "I am Evel Knievel, I am what I am and that's all there is to it---I'm a daredevil," according to the Montana Standard article. He also requested he be buried in a simple pine box. His reverence for life, while he tempted death throughout his career is testament to the reason his passing was front page, prime time news across the world.

The ABC Nightly News allocated a special segment to the life and times of Evel Knievel. The NBC Evening News took time to acknowledge the life and career of Butte's Favorite Son, Evel Knievel. Larry King Live and Anderson Cooper paid their heartfelt respects for Evel. The London Times gave front page coverage to our American Daredevil in the World News Section. The London Times mentions that YouTube was inundated with requests for vintage film clips of Evel's motorcycle jumps and other death defying adventures. According, to world wide web keyword search requests, Evel Knievel is the top request.

So, what is it about this bigger than life athletic entertainer that evokes this kind of enthusiasm generally allocated to heads of state, religious leaders and film stars? As I reviewed all of the articles, reviewed my notes on the TV tributes and read various personal accounts of Mr. Knievel's life several points are worth mentioning.

His attribute of loyatly to his family, friends and place of birth, Butte, Montana. Butte, Montana exemplifies the core of America's Melting Pot and values. The copper and gold mines of the greater Butte area brought hard working immigrants in the late 19th century and early 20th century. People in Butte have seen it all. From boom times, to gloom times, Copper Kings, the Berekely Pit, do-gooders, scoundrels and the site of great entertainment and fine food. Kids in Butte grow up with a fierce loyalty to the place and their heritage.

On a larger scale in the world court of opinion, Evel Knievel represents the all American Spirit. The saying, "a winner never quits and a quitter never wins," describes Evel Knievel. Most of us would not take Mr. Knievel's method of challenging the forces of mediocrity. . That is why his passing impacted so many people. Evel Knievel took the challenge of life and death for all of us. Each time he was knocked down, broken into pieces and fallen, he put himself back together and gave it one more shot. That is a lesson that no matter who you are, what you do for a living or your circumstances,evokes hope and inspires people everywhere.

Evel Knievel represents that small group of freedom loving immigrants who founded the United States. The challenges were great and risks were almost insurmountable. Mr. Knievel's challenges are symbolic of the obtacles early Americans encountered and overcame. He wasn't perfect, nor is the USA, but we are what we are and keep trying to get it right. Evel Knievel was one of us, but rose above us to inspire the world by taking it up a notch. He loved life and we thank him for doing what he liked to do--tempting fate.