Essays to Mullings ( Inside President Bush's Visit to Washington Hospital Center)

Rich Galen's Mullings ^ | 9/26/01

[Gumption County]

(Rich Galen shares this letter written to him by a reader of Mullings...)

Rich,

This says a lot about Bush. I just received it from my brother. I thought you might appreciate it. It's sort of ironic for me to forward it to you since I'm usually forwarding your columns to him. :-)

Best wishes,
Jennifer Laycock

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Jenn
Thought you would like to hear a story about the President. I think it is very telling how people act when there are no cameras or reporters around. I am sure that the President did not expect this to be reported.

Rob

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Howdy.

The article was written for OCF (Officer Christian Fellowship) about the President's visit to one of the military officers injured during the Pentagon attack.

Subject: Pentagon Update/Vignette

I just came from an informal, outdoor memorial service that MG Van Antwerp gave for the two ladies from ACSIM that were lost last week. It was quite moving. The families were there and it was clear that this meant a lot to them. The General has a sincere way of sharing his own faith that helps lift everyone's spirits.

What I wanted to share, however, was a vignette General Van related about the President and the general's executive officer who was badly burned over 50% of his body. General Van said that the President visited LTC Brian Birdwell at Washington Hospital Center. He spent time talking with Brian. He prayed with Brian. And then as he was getting ready to leave, he went to the foot Brian's bed and saluted Brian.

The President then held that salute as Brian, with burned and bandaged arms, ever so slowly returned the salute.

It wasn't hard to picture the scene in my mind, and I think it says a lot about our Commander-in-Chief.

[BlueAngel]

Thanks. This story made my day. BTTT

[Josephine]

BTTT.

I imagine God speaking saying "In that day I will raise up my servant, George W. Bush....."

I am grateful for him too.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Beautiful story! Not unexpected - now. Our President is simply a great man.

Hope many many see/hear about this story though. The mainstream media won't relay it. Or, if they do, I will be very very surprised.

[GretchenEE]

thank you for flagging me to this thread!

[LiberteeBell]

Dittos.

[Terry Mross]

The only time a higher ranking officer salutes you is when you're dead. Unless your Commander in Chief is George W. Bush. What class this man has! He just showed a lot of respect for an injured warrior. Reminds me of the scene in the movie when Patton knelt and kissed the forehead of a wounded soldier.

[marylina]

Thanks so much for the flag, ohio. This is a very moving story. He is such a humble man, and everyone he meets is touched by him.

[Nea Wood]

I'll bet this lovely and touching event was only one of many, but we will never hear about the others, because President Bush does not have to brag, flaunt his good deeds, or have the media fawning over him to record his every move. God bless our Prez!

[Gumption County]

When President Bush (then Governor Bush) in a primary debate cited Jesus Christ as his favorite "philosopher", I knew he was someone special.

The media thought it was a pander to religious voters, but I knew that in incuring the wrath of the media for little gain (he was the front runner, surely not a place in the race that called for taking risks) he was demonstrating great courage and authenticity.

The good man simply could not contain himself - he just had to share his love of Christ with all that were listening.

(As an aside - I never enjoyed Candidate Bush more than when he was talking about education and not leaving one child behind. The love really flowed through him. You knew he meant it.)