Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The HEART-land of Texas
Welcome to my first blog post for the second annual "Honoring Heroes at the Holidays" tour.
Today was a momentous day in Texas. We departed El Paso this morning at about 0900 CST and made our way across Western Texas tracking the I-10 Eastbound toward San Antonio. While en route this morning, Debbie Lee received an interview request from Fox News Channel for a special segment on "Your World: with Neil Cavuto." We agreed to have a car service pickup Debbie from the Wal-Mart in San Antonio at about 1440 this afternoon. Arriving in San Antonio at roughly 1334 local time we had about a half hour to setup at the Wal-Mart on Austin Highway. Once again management was kind enough to let us park the big red bus on the sidewalk in between the two store entrances.
Immediately we were greeted by several members of the media: KTSA 5500 radio, KENS CBS Channel 5, KABB Fox Channel 29, and of course our friends at Univision too. While Debbie Lee gave a heartwarming recount of the altruistic actions of her hero and son, I had a nice interview with Alicia from KTSA 5500. As you may know, Debbie Lee is a Gold Star Mom whose son, Marc Alan Lee, was the first Navy SEAL to lay down his life for freedom in Iraq.
This young man made the ultimate sacrifice when he turned into the direct line of enemy fire in order to protect his fellow SEALs and provide cover fire. After successfully aiding his teammates reach their destination, Marc eventually succumbed to a deadly sniper shot. The base in Ramadi was soon named Camp Marc Lee in honor of his heroics.
You really must hear the entire story directly from Marc's mom, Debbie- if you haven't already. Debbie is a consummate speaker but she also speaks from the heart and reveals a very human look into life, love, sacrifice and death. Debbie's recitation of what the true definition of a hero is really gives one pause to consider their role models in life and no doubt aspire to take life to more exalted levels.
As Debbie wrapped up her hero's tale, the Fox News Town Car arrived. As she departed in the black limousine with tinted windows, we waved a temporary farewell to Debbie until our rendezvous in Austin later today. Then we were greeted by the voice of an angel as Diana Nagy performed her hit song, "Where Freedom Flies,” which she co-wrote with her mother in honor of our troops and their constant defense of our country and freedom. Diana also sang the National Anthem and God Bless America. I think anyone who has the privilege to listen Diana sing this precious song while watching our beautiful stars and stripes flutter in the winds of freedom would be hard pressed to hold back the tears- tears that overcome you when we realize that you are insignificant but for the fact that an altruistic and benevolent Creator equipped a small percentage of Americans like Marc with the courage to lay down their lives in order to defend our freedom and preserve our way of life.
That's what it means to me when I look at our flag fly free and proud over the land I love dearly. Marc's selfless sacrifice and pure bravery, along with all those who gave their lives before and after him, represents a price which has been paid in full for us to exercise the freedoms we enjoy in America today- freedoms that people in other countries die in pursuit of everyday yet never fully attain.
During the rally in San Antonio, I had the opportunity to interact with many other American patriots in the crowd. I met a lovely woman, Gale Sayers, who just exuded a certain kind of warmth which cut sharply right through the crisp winter air of San Antonio. Gale was accompanied by her daughter who stood in the crowd embracing a friend while Debbie spoke and Diana sang. I had a chance to interact with a lot of patriotic supporters today but Gale just continued to warm my heart with a quiet radiance. Gale told me about a close friend of hers who is currently deployed in Iraq, West Point graduate and US Army Captain Morgan Brown. It is so important for us to recognize the REAL heroes in life; young men like Captain Morgan and Petty Officer Second Class Marc Lee, who willingly give themselves up so that others may reap the rewards of their hard work.
Another person I choose to salute is a man named William. I met William today at the rally as he approached me with a wrinkled smile asking about getting a Move America Forward sweatshirt. At first glance, it was easy to assume that William might be homeless and looking for freebies because of his salty exterior and haggard appearance. However, William was NOT a bum. As I handed him a sweatshirt with all intentions of just giving it to him- he immediately handed over a very generous donation and asked that we continue to take care of his brothers who serve. William announced that he had been back from Vietnam for thirty years now. I saw how proudly he sported his Vietnam Veteran's cap and I not only thanked him for his service to our country but I welcomed him back home.
Every single moment of every single day of this tour is a priceless moment never to be forgotten. You meet not just folks who have served and who are currently serving, but you also meet moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers and neighbors who have a piece of their heart which has been sacrificed as well. We must remember this Christmas Holiday Season that everyone who is serving overseas leaves behind many people who pray for their safe return; not failing to mention the many who will be forced to wait longer for their reunions than others.
The boys and girls who serve this country become men and women quicker than you can imagine. They serve because they love all of us- so that even people they don't know can exercise their God-given freedoms back home. Please continue to support America's bravest by sending them care packages this Christmas. When these mighty warriors receive this little piece of home they are truly touched. Write them a personalized message and let them know that you love and appreciate them- they are strong warriors with big hearts who believe in their mission and are willing to lay their life down so that others may live a better one.
Until next time... (stay tuned for Danny G's recap of the rally in Austin this evening)
