THE REST OF THE STORY =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 at age 76 , which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27.) It reminded me of the following story. =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4 star generals at Arlington National Cemetery. Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time, why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0We= ll, following is the amazing answer: I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn't know the extent of his Corps experiences. =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often in rear-echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima. =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0There is only one higher Naval award... the Medal Of Honor. If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, Marvin credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery. =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0During a dialog on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson", Johnny's guest was Lee Marvin. Johnny said, "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima... and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded." =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0"Yeah, yeah... I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. The bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain, is guys getting' shot hauling you down. But, Johnny, at Iwo I served under the bravest man I ever knew. We both got the cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison. =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. Bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target. Johnny, I'm not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew. The Sergeant's name was Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo."
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with over 25 confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat. =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0After the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm.
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0America's real heroes don't flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best. They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy. Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst. Often, they are the ones you'd least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened. Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers.
37 for 05 4 cardsOKC Dave