The Trojan Family Remembers Louis Zamperini

Louis Zamperini was everything you would hope a person could be. Not only was he an Olympian, a war hero and a Trojan, but a walking inspiration and an American icon in overcoming adversity.

Zamperini was a two-time national champion at USC as a long-distance runner, served as a roommate with Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, met Adolf Hitler upon the fuehrer’s request, survived a plane crash in World War II, stayed alive for 47 days in the middle of the ocean on a raft, was held captive as a prisoner of war and yet was so much more.

The epitome of a fighter and the subject of the book and film Unbroken, Zamperini persevered through perhaps one of the most stressful and unimaginable lives we’ll ever hear about, and did it to the tune of 97 years, with a smile on his face and unwavering spirit and peace of mind.

Zamperini passed on Wednesday night from pneumonia, and leaves behind an incredible legacy.

His name adorns countless memorials, monuments, a plaza and an airport, to which his memory will always be present in our hearts and community.

Allows us to join in unity with the Trojan Family in remembering and honoring the great Louis Zamperini.

Louis Zamperini was the embodiment of the #FightOn spirit. Olympian, WWII hero & inspiration, may he #FightOnForever. pic.twitter.com/GXRMDx0Eyh
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) July 3, 2014

Wasn't really #FightOn until Lou Zamperini He defined it. #USC #USA
— Rich Rodriguez (@ricotheman) July 3, 2014

So proud to share a connection with Louis Zamperini, a fellow Trojan and Torrance native. He was a true American hero. #FightOnForever
— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) July 3, 2014

Zamperini's story is a great inspiration to me and to all Trojans. We will play with him in our hearts this season. http://t.co/2qWInVBsxi
— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) July 3, 2014

Former #USC track coach Ron Allice, a friend of Louis Zamperini: ``If there ever was an ambassador at USC, it was him.''
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) July 3, 2014

God bless and take care of one of the greatest Trojans of them all, Lou Zamperini.
— Pat Haden (@ADHadenUSC) July 3, 2014

Louis Zamperini remained loyal to his alma mater #USC. Whenever he went out in public, he almost always wore a #USC hat & an Olympic jacket.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) July 3, 2014

Very sad to hear of Louis Zamperini's passing. A true hero and tremendous inspiration to many. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/bn3xESt8qZ
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) July 3, 2014

Here's a look at Zamperini Plaza, which depicts the life of #USC legend Louis Zamperini http://t.co/thUOxkTJcl via @YouTube
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) July 3, 2014

#USC legend Louis Zamperini, who died at 97, is only Trojan to win NCAA championship in the mile and he did it twice (1938-39)
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) July 3, 2014

When Louis Zamperini's B-24 bomber crashed, his #USC ring hooked on shattered window frame and enabled him to hoist out of sinking plane
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) July 3, 2014

Highly recommend checking out the timeline of @ShotgunSpr, who is accounting 140 character bit recaps of Louis Zamperini’s wild life story.
— Brian Wagner (@BrianRWagner) July 3, 2014

It honestly was an amazing experience getting to pick the brain of Louis Zamperini over lunch: pic.twitter.com/LdAokXg5pj
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) July 3, 2014

RIP to Louis Zamperini. Former track star at USC and the Olympics, WW II veteran and POW, and featured in the book Unbroken. #realhero
— Garry Paskwietz (@garrypaskwietz) July 3, 2014

Still struck by the news of Louis Zamperini's passing. He was my true role model for determination, strength and also forgiveness.
— Evan Budrovich (@evanbud) July 3, 2014

As a sophomore, I heard Zamperini speak to a sports business class. Every laptop was shut. What a privilege. RIP to an American hero.
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) July 3, 2014

Unforgettable evening. RT @USC: See video of Louis Zamperini's visit to a @USCAnnenberg class in 2011 - http://t.co/Ho74cP5S3b
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) July 3, 2014

R.I.P Louis Zamperini, GREAT Trojan. Definitely an inspiration to a lot! you'll be missed buddy. pic.twitter.com/P9xa2YikAD
— Kevin Greene (@KevinGreene81) July 3, 2014

Extremely sad to hear of Louis Zamperini’s passing.. The ultimate hero in my book, and a model American/Trojan
— Matt Barkley (@MattBarkley) July 3, 2014

RIP to Mr. Zamperini what a great man with an incredible story who has touched and inspired many!! #TrojanFamily
— DK (@DevonKennard) July 3, 2014

RIP Louis Zamperini. A true USC legend and icon. You make me proud to be a Trojan and will always be remembered. #FightOnForever
— Christina Marinacci (@C_marinacci) July 3, 2014

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