Posted on 12/21/2001 6:30:52 AM PST by Jeff Head
-Jim
He stood as others dream to stand;
He spoke as others dared not even think;
From soul deep faith, he drew his courage,
his granite spirit, his ironclad will.
The Alien force, applied with hate,
could not break him, failed to bend him;
Though solitary imprisonment gave him no friends,
he drew upon his inner self to create a force so strong
that those who sought to destroy his will, met an army his to command.
I stand in awe of people like James Rowe, Duane Frederic and others who have been in this for the long haul.
Their honorable and viruous efforts, sustained over decades, are what has made this possible and to me are awe inspiring and legend ... not to mention the esteem and honor I hold for Rocky. God bless them each and every one and God rest Rocky's and James' souls.
Isn't Rocky Versace the POW whose bracelet Pat Buchanan wore?
I intend to make the trip when it is held next spring if I can.
Now, finally, at long last, his MOH nomination/recomendation has been re-instituted, approved and Congress has voted to award it ... it just awaits the President's signature now.
BUMP for Rocky, BUMP for Courage, BUMP for Valor, BUMP for Duty, BUMP for Honor! ... may we never forget.
It is SO good to see this happening ... there isn't anyone more deserving and we need to have these examples for all of us, particularly our youth, so they can KNOW what a true hero and what true courage, commitment, honor and patriotism is all about.
I have taught my kids about him and his ilk and pray that we can stand in our turn whenever called upon.
I hope to be back there in DC when this is accomplished and I hope to bring my two boys with me.
I am humbled by those who have been involved with this many, mnay years longer than I and in much more detail ... and very grateful to see Rocky getting this recoognition ... grateful for his memory and what it will mean to it ... and even more grateful that we will have this icon to point our youth to whenever they want to know what true herosim, courage and valor are really all about.
If you have never heard of him or his story, I hope you enjoy it. Watch the on-line move that is linked ... it is as good a place to start as any.
Merry Christmas.
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