Posted on 12/21/2001 6:30:52 AM PST by Jeff Head
I'll never understand why it wasn't done long ago. If there has ever been a case of "slam-dunk MOH",this is it.
Gald to see this. With regard to bubba2 however, I wonder how strong the lobby was for these MOH awardees. Had to be pretty strong.
bttt...
SR
Well,you never know. A lot of people believe the only reason Rocky didn't get his earlier is that people were tired of hearing about VN. i'm thinking that awarding a few of these would work in Bubba-2s favor,as no preseident has ever looked bad handing out medals.
Well said Jeff...
Somehow, in our need, such cream has always risen to the top when necessary. Despite the best efforts of our advesaries ... external and internal ... the foundational principles for the liberty that we enjoy in this Republic are still in place amongst the people and therefore still capable of producing such individuals IMHO.
Regards.
Jeff,men of the caliber of Roy and Rocky are rare,indeed. ANY nation that could manage to have just 1% of their military composed of dedicated men of honor like this would be a VERY rich nation. Rich in the things that matter the most. People like them go right past "brave",and straight to "awe-inspiring". I honestly can't think of Rocky standing in that hole in the rain and singing "God Bless America" at the top of his lungs without tearing up. And as for Roy,how many people do YOU know who charge into hundreds of machine gun bearing enemy troops while armed with only a Bowie knife?
I've heard some misinformed people state," There is no such thing in real life as a "Rambo"." I tell them there were real-life people who did things that would make the fictional Rambo faint from fear. People like Rocky,Roy,Bob Howard,Ola Mize,and hundreds of others. All REAL people. Hollywood can only pretend.
By dumb luck or design, on separate occasions I had the privilage and honor to meet two MOH recipients. Joe Foss and Leo Thorsness. I was at a loss for words when trying to verbalize my respect. As I stumbled along each replied in much the same manner..."It was a different time, different place". Such humble responses.
Versace, Benavidez, Rowe...Lance P. Sijan...When I see or hear their names I cannot help but hold myself cheap. Men like these epitomize the spirit of the Medal Of Honor. Then there are men like James Wayne Herrick Jr. whose actions did not warrant national recognition but served with the same spirit. We as a nation truely are rich to have all of them as our sons.
I don't think Nick Rowe got a MOH. He was a fellow POW with Rocky,and one of the original guys to push for awarding the MOH for Rocky. He escaped after being a POW for around 5 years,when the VC/NVA who were moving him came under fire from a American helicopter gunship who was just taking shots at a target of opportunity. He almost gunned Rowe down when he stood up in the elephant grass wearing black,but when he spotted the beard he figured the guy wasn't a VN. He landed to pick him up,and recogonized him instantly. Ironically enough,he and Rowe had been classmates and friends at West Point.
Jim
I only wish the Presidenet would make much more of a media event out of this. Rocky is the epitome of the American spirit and all of the qulities that have made it what it is ... faith in God, courage, stamina, charitable, independent and fiercly resistant to the enemy ... his story should be taught to all the rising generations IMHO, particularly at this time.
I also wish dearly that I could have been there, if not for the ceremony then for the reception that follows. Unfortunatley, other considerations got in the way for the trip from Idaho.
But I have been and will be thanking God for the fact that it is happening ... should have been done long ago.
You should consider a seperate thread for this article. Post it under BREAKING NEWS. It would get quite a bit of attention.
The local Fox affiliate covered the unveiling. The reporter had put together a moving bio on Vercace. The bronze statue is Versace with two children. It was a fitting tribute and brought a tear to the eye.
Stay Safe Pete !
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