Let me
tell you about a proud Marine I knew. He left this
world October 14, 2004 and dang, would I like to
talk to him now. Few people exude patriotism; Dick
did. I could stack word upon word explaining Dick’s
coming of age as a Marine in 1956, playing college
basketball for the Bobcats, or being buddies with
Dick Cheney, but absolutely none of those describe
what Dick meant to me. He was a patriot who loved
the song “God Bless America” and he sang it with
infectious passion. Dick came into my life because
his son was married to my trophy wife’s sister. We
spent many holidays and family events together and
at each and every one of them, Dick always insisted
everyone sing “God Bless America.” So we did.
On his deathbed at the young age of 71, with his
last remaining breaths he asked the family to join
him in his final attempt at “God Bless America.”
They did, and then he died. At his funeral he
requested the attire be red, white, and blue. He so
loved his country.
Saturday, September 11, 2010, I had the distinct
honor of being Master of Ceremonies at Montana’s
Stillwater County Patriot’s Dinner. Over 200
ordinary people crowded the assembly hall united by
their love of country. I looked across the crowd and
saw young, old, tall, short, skinny, fat, veterans,
non-veterans, ranchers, carpenters, butchers,
plumbers, salesmen and trophy wives. Saturday
afternoon, everyone loved America, all was well…and
then it happened.
I introduced Brit Elenburg to sing our last musical
selection: “God Bless America.” This talented young
lady stepped forward and belted out a rendition of
the patriotic hymn as if angels in heaven were
amplifying every note. Dick would have been
proud…let me correct that, he was proud.
Thinking of Dick and caught up in the patriotism of
the moment, I was so moved I had a lump stuck in my
throat the size and consistency of gumbo-caked
overshoes. Unfortunately, the program required I
present my ten-minute closing monologue and
introduce the pastor who would offer the final
prayer. Swallowing deeply, I approached the
microphone and somehow, somewhere, I found the
words.
Here is my point: Between now and the election, and
for a minimum of two months thereafter, you will see
incessant media reports vilifying tea-party
patriots. The reports are wrong. From Saturday’s
podium, I saw nothing but what is best about
America, and I consistently see that same red, white
and blue look in every town where I speak. We truly
are a melting pot of nationalities and personalities
united in the cause of freedom. It was Divine
Providence which established our great republic and
it will be the hand of God who will restore her to
greatness. Failure is just not an option. May God to
continue to bless America.
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