As celebrations across this nation today memorialize the sacrifices of brave women and men killed in wars present and past, it occurs to me that my job gives me the unique honor of meeting the heroes still with us. I’ve been to Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital numerous times and have seen the indomitable human spirit of women and men who, as one doctor described the grave nature of the injuries he regularly sees, have “no business” being alive. To be exposed to this type of courage truly gives me perspective in life.
This week, I had another opportunity to gain this type of perspective. We did a story on soldiers who have lost limbs in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, using golf as both physical and mental therapy. Golf pro Jim Estes and his friends at the Salute Military Golf Association provide free lessons, clubs and venues for vets to learn and play golf. After spending two days with Jim and the soldiers, it’s clear they both come a way with a great deal from the experience.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent the day with living history. Frank Buckles is the 20th century. At age 106, Buckles is the last surviving WWI vet to serve overseas. Tonight, this spot, crafted by Bob Faw, will air on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Producer Andy Gross has a preview of the story on MSNBC.COM.
It’s an honor I don’t take for granted, that I often find myself in the presence of truly courageous people, whose indomitable spirits are part of what makes this nation great.
~~~~~~~~~~~~UPDATE~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Bob Faw piece on Frank Buckles is available on MSNBC.COM
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
this is a great post…
god bless u and all that make our daily lives possible…
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Jim, I’ve been looking forward to the WWI vet story ever since I found out you were working on it. Thanks for giving the heads-up on Twitter that it’s airing tonight. (DVR is set.)
I enjoyed reading Andy Gross’ profile on Mr. Buckles, which you linked to above. He not only served in WWI but spent 39 months in a Japanese POW camp during WWII. Amazing. I’d say he looks pretty darned good now for 106 years old.
Another interesting report on the story behind the news.
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Connie he was an amazing guy. I hope we did his story justice. and I hope I look that good when I’m 106!
Nice post. I too have the news recorded for me to watch when I get home tonight. I can only imagine the stories Mr. Buckles has to tell. If only we would take the time to appreciate the treasures that we have in our people. Very glad that you do have the opportunity to record history through the stories of people like Mr. Buckles.
Brenda, in case you miss-Tivoed I’ve got a link to the story here which I’ll email to you.
:>) I saw it right after I posted this. The story was great! I would love to see more of the footage. Y’all should definitely publish more.
This story is absolutely amazing. I’m a student at Emory University and I’ve been trying to get Mr. Buckles’ phone number or address. Does anyone know where I could find either one? Thanks!
Nice post. I too have the news recorded for me to watch when I get home tonight. I can only imagine the stories Mr. Buckles has to tell. If only we would take the time to appreciate the treasures that we have in our people. Very glad that you do have the opportunity to record history through the stories of people like Mr. Buckles.