Priorities in Life
by Jimmy Arone
And so I found myself awake at 2:29 Friday morning. Unable to sleep, thinking of Marc Lee.
Marc Alan Lee, a brave young man, who made the ultimate sacrifice, on August 2, 2006, while serving with our troops in Iraq. He was 28 years old.
I had first learned of Marc, on Thursday morning, as I clicked onto Big Hollywood to get my daily fix of politics and pop culture. What I didn’t know at the time was that this was a different kind of day at my favorite website. The content and articles printed were dedicated solely to the military and their families.
And so I found myself, reading a letter from one, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc A. Lee.
As a result, my life will never be the same. For the clarity, for the eloquence of his simply stated words, written to his family two weeks before he was killed in Iraq. A powerful letter from a fallen hero.
An additional article from Marc’s mother Debbie, who I had heard speak on Dennis Prager’s radio program, only made it more special. On Thursday, Big Hollywood was the place to be if you care about our troops, who serve our country with great pride and honor, day in and day out.
June 25, 2009 was an eventful day for a few reasons. Besides Big Hollywood participating in Troopathon 2009, it was also the day when music icon, Michael Jackson, passed away. Suddenly, out of left field, from an apparent heart attack at the age of 50.
A major story, with worldwide reverberations, the passing of Michael Jackson on any other day would have probably grabbed a bit more of my attention. No question, Michael Jackson is a music legend whose contributions will stand the test of time. However, as I mentioned, once I became aware of Marc Lee’s story, the death of Michael Jackson seemed to pale in comparison.
I found myself throughout the day staying connected to Big Hollywood. Articles written by some fantastic contributors, Gold Star Mothers and the live stream webcast, from the Reagan Library, were all excellent.
As the day went on, it seemed impossible to get away from the news gathering around what had happened to Michael Jackson. After picking up my son from work, I talked with him about what seemed to be occurring. I understood the magnitude of the event but somehow, the circus like atmosphere going on outside of UCLA Medical Center, turned me off. It was becoming sort of a 2009 warped version of Billy Wilder’s 1951 film, ‘Ace in the Hole‘.
I mentioned to my son about what was going on at Big Hollywood, what I learned about Marc Lee and how it frustrated me that all this attention was being given to a pop icon but not an American hero. Being a good son, he listened and suggested I write something about it. I wasn’t sure if I had anything to say on the subject.
Thursday night, before I hit the hay, I decided to visit the Huffington Post to see what was on their site. Not surprising, a number of stories about the passing of MJ complete with numerous pictures of fans grieving over the loss of the man. Quite the contrast to what had transpired over at Big Hollywood throughout the day.
I thought about what it all meant?
I guess, at the end of the day, what it boils down to is a question of one’s priorities in life.
And so I found myself, up at 2:29 Friday morning, thinking of a brave young man. Looking at his picture. Reading his last letter to his family. A beautiful man. A sweet soul. A proud warrior, who gave his life for his country.
For us.
No matter what the date says, for me, June 25, 2009 will always be the day I came to know Marc Lee.
To Marc and to all the brave, fallen warriors, who gave their precious lives, in the name of liberty and freedom, God bless you. May God watch over your families and friends, always.
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19 Comments
Very simply put Mr. Arone, Bravo!
Beautifully written, and a marvelous tribute to Marc. We can never show enough love to our military.
Thanks Big Hollywood for having your site dedicated all day to our men and women of the military during the Troopathon! And thanks for keeping the background green!
It is the sacrifices of young people like Marc Lee the allow the ecentricities and artform of an entertainer like Micheal Jackson to be possible. I'm going to guess that only one eccentric is allowed in a cesspool like Noirth Korea, the psycho case that is the "Dear Leader". Iran? Nope, Michael Jackson would have had his head seperated from his body years ago…the former Iraq? Ha, the Saddam clan had the odd behavior market all sewn up. We should fall to our knees daily and thank God for the Marc Lees' of our country, and treat the oddballs like Jackson as celebrities should merit, as entertainers, nothing less but nothing more. God Bless Marc Lee, a true American Hero. btw, great photo with your fine post Jimmy
Very nice indeed my friend. There are things more important in life than pop culture.
Jimmy, you got a new photo! I like it.
Great piece too. Sometimes I wonder about our priorities. . . actually, most of the time.
Your article says it all Jimmy, thank you.
I tried to post my thoughts on this same issue all day yesterday but I D must have been messed up, again.
Jimmy, thanks for the story. I felt the same way after I finished reading American Heroes by Oliver North. I actually cried a few times reading the book and thinking about Mr. lee, the main reason why, these kids are dying for our freedoms and the right of the progressives as well. I speak with a veteran of war everyday and always thank him for his service… these people on the left have no idea what they do for our lives and they only put them down becasue they think it is wrong.. little do they know that if they where not sacrificing there lives and standing up for there freedom they would not have there SOAP BOX to stand on!!!!!!
Jimmy, thanks again!!!
Everyone knows that the Rat lives longer than a Lion but who the Hell wants to be a Rat. Best to keep company and walk with the Caliber of Men and Women like Marc Alan Lee. I recommend it you won't be sorry. Rest In Sweet Peace Son. We all live by Your Valor, Commitment and Sacrifice. I Gratefully and with Reverence Salute You and All Those Like You.
My wife has three cousins who have been to Iraq twice each, another more distant cousin,(second cousin), was killed there. She also lost an uncle in Vietnam, I had one wounded there after three tours. I have friends, three, that served in Irag or Afghanistan, Guard, or regular Army. My father served, as did I,..
Our America, isn't the one very many critics of America know very well.
Our children know the flag's worth, and that real people are paying for it's promise of freedom with blood and bone. I'm so greatful, that young people are still out there, for my childrens future,.
Thank you.
Nice thoughts, brought comfort to my American heart.
Perhaps someday we will all realize who the true heroes are. God bless.
Very nice.
Pop culture would not exist if not for the sacrifices of our Military. They have fought and died through the years so people such as Jackson could do what they do. Without the "True Heroes" of this country we would have nothing and be nothing…….
Thank you to all who have served and are serving this country………..
This article speaks volumes about the US media and our culture. We do need to focus on the truly heroic and not the sideshow that is going on right now with MJ.
OT-***ALERT***
I just received an email from a fellow tea party member. It would seem, according to Congressional rules, there are five days allowed for a House member to change their vote on a bill. I have no expertise in Congressional rules. Paging a lawyer, or someone who knows. Nevertheless, if this is true, we need to work like mad to stop Cap and Trade in the House. Who here really trust those morons in the Senate?
How very well said. Thanks.
I'm glad your son suggested you write about Marc Lee and the impact he made on you. The Troopathon day here—-especially all the stories that the Gold Star Mothers told— gave us a wonderful opportunity to remember the virtues that REALLY deserve our respect and honor.
Jimmy, are you saying you'll really only mourn those worth mourning?
I agree… I was most definitely more interested in hearing the stories of our service men and women and trying to get the word out about troopathon that Michael Jacksons passing was no different than any one elses…. and for that I am a heartless *itch…. but I don't care.
That picture is absolutely stunning…
Very well written. I liked it a lot. Too bad Ensign and Sanford think that freedom in this country means that they can break their marraige vows as they try to campaign on the sham of republican family values.
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