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Move America Forward

“On the Sixth Day of Christmas,
Our Soldiers Gave to Us . . .

Wounded 1st Cavalry Division soldiers at an aid station
outside Yongdong, July 25, 1950. Photo: U.S. Army.
Security!

Move America Forward is awed and humbled by the many gifts that our troops have given to us since they first took up arms to fight for our nation’s independence. Each of those gifts was paid for by the sacrifice our troops have made for their country. We owe our troops a huge debt for the price of freedom and today, on MAF’s SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS we remember the gift of SECURITY.

Without security, our freedoms would be meaningless. Our rights and liberties are protected by the knowledge that our troops will be there to stop any tyranny or oppression that would try to take our rights away.

The war between Communist North Korea and the Republic of South Korea escalated June 25, 1950, when the Communists invaded the South. Under United Nations auspices, the United States and allies helped protect the South from the Communists. Not long after, China joined forces with their fellow communists in North Korea to advance the worldwide spread of communism.

American troops defended Democracy against Communism, a conflict that continued throughout the Cold War and has never officially ended. The Korean War is sometimes called the Forgotten War. We cannot ever forget our troops, whether they serve in a time of peace or, like the veterans of the Korean War, in a pivotal time of war against a committed enemy such as the Chinese communists.

Even though this time the threat comes from radical Islamic extremism instead of bolshevism, our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to carry on that legacy of protecting America and the free nations of the world from those who would enslave them.

Today, our troops continue to give us Security from enemies that want to destroy America.

American troops in an Iraq sandstorm, gun ready on the lap.

We celebrate our troops for their sacrifices. More of our brave troops are headed to Afghanistan to protect the United States from radical Jihadists. These men and women are leaving their families and friends, a sacrifice during Christmas time and throughout the year.

Our troops volunteer to protect everything that is good in America, and they continue to give us the gifts we highlight over the 12 Days of Christmas.

Move America Forward

“On the Seventh Day of Christmas,
Our Soldiers Gave to Us . . .

Michael Nagy, (left) who gave his life in WWII.
Marc Alan Lee, (right) who gave his life in Iraq.
Dedication!!

Michael Nagy and Marc Alan Lee were made of the same thing: love of country and pure dedication. Both had completed dangerous missions and both volunteered for another mission, during which they gave their lives.

Michael is the uncle of Diana Nagy, a professional vocalist whose hit “Where Freedom Flies” is dedicated to her uncle. Marc is the son of Debbie Lee, who has dedicated her life to giving a voice to supporting U.S. troops.

Both Diana and Debbie have traveled with Move America Forward across the United States on tours supporting American troops and their missions. Debbie tells Marc’s story and encourages all Americans to show their love and gratitude for our troops. Diana’s soaring voice tells the story of patriotism through her God-given art, a stunning voice.

“Marc gave up his voice, so I use my voice to remind America of the sacrifices our troops make every day for us,” Debbie Lee said.

Firefight in Ramadi's Mulaab District. Marc Lee is at the extreme right.

The American Flag is folded at the funeral service for Marc Alan Lee.

Move America Forward is awed by the gifts that our troops have given to us since the fight for Independence. Each day we chronicle these gifts and reasons we are celebrating our troops this holiday season.

Debbie and Diana are two family members who carry with them the dedication that their loved ones exhibited during wartime.

Both Debbie’s son and Diana’s uncle were so dedicated that they gave their lives. They didn’t have to be in danger. They had already completed deadly missions. But both volunteered to protect America again.

Marc stood up in the direct line of fire three times before a terrorist sniper shot him, ending his young life.

"To protect the lives of his teammates, he fearlessly exposed himself to direct enemy fire by engaging the enemy with his machine gun and was mortally wounded in the engagement. His brave actions in the line of fire saved the lives of many of his teammates," the citation for his posthumous awards read. Marc was awarded a Silver Star, one of the highest awards in the military, along with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Michael Nagy was flying one of the last planes shot down in WWII. He was a gunner in the Navy, had just flown his last mission, and was returning home. His route home crossed the path of the aircraft carrier USS Independence en route to Japan, which was short two fighter planes. Mike and his crew volunteered to fly in the place of one of the missing fighter planes, and join them for “one last mission.” Mike never returned from that mission.

The Nagy family later learned from a villager in Maizuro Harbor, Japan, that Michael had indeed given his life when his plane was shot down.

Debbie and Marc Alan Lee

Diana Nagy talking to reporters.

Debbie and Diana are dedicated to giving voices to the American men and women who are fighting for our safety. Both have traveled the country multiple times with Move America Forward to rally for our troops.

It is said that true warriors have it in their blood. They don’t know how to say no to their country.

“When I went to Iraq with Move America Forward two years ago to see where Marc gave his life, and to bring Christmas cheer to our troops, I was honored to give handmade Christmas and Hanukkah cards from Americans to our troops,” Debbie said. “I will never forget their tears of joy as they read the messages from grateful Americans.”

“I love singing for our heroes,” Diana said. “We can never do enough for our troops. They have given their lives for us.”