If you think a thing is worth dying for: A Country, a flag, your home, your religion, your husband or wife, your wealth, starving children, a muddy hill in an unknown jungle...you must be prepared to go to that extreme. If another does that in your place, you damn sure owe him or her thanks.
And for all of those who value your life above anything, who would submit to any oppression because it just isn't worth the risk, well..how could you be expected to thank anyone who would die in your place?