Burnt Offerings: Beyond the Call of Duty
by Robert DaviTonight was a shining night – a night brought to us by humble, sincere men, in honor of men and women whose humility, courage, and selfless acts light up the darkness that sometimes surrounds us. Acts, that have defined each generation’s responsibility to the next. Being amongst these men of Valor – men, whose character and love of God and Country are etched into their souls like the monument of Mount Rushmore – men, who have sacrificed with their blood – men, who have defended our freedoms when there were no cameras around to catch them in the act – men, who cherish DEMOCRACY and want to see it preserved – men, whom we should visit, look on, sit with, interview, and ask for advice…instead of South American dictators — men, whose faces should be worn by our youth, instead of the latest in chic CHE Guevara fashion - – men, who my eight-year-old son instinctually knew he wanted to meet — men, who upon meeting my eight-year-old son told him it will be in his generation’s hands someday to protect our nation – men, whose humility and courage brought tears to the eyes of all in the room – men, who know the greatness of AMERICA – men, who ask nothing for themselves but give all for the country they love — being amongst these men of Valor — goes straight to the heart and points the way for us to take example from – for while we may not all have the privilege – honor or courage to serve in the military, they are a shining example of how we can better serve each other. Tonight – the Reagan Library was truly a shining city on the hill.
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46 Comments
You're a class act, Robert. I appreciate your thoughts and words here tonight. I wish you all the best in life.
Thanks, Robert. You made this veteran's eyes misty.
You mean the big Celebration of Freedom Gala (http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/abreitbart/2009... I take it. I agree, it must have been magnificent.
But… but… (God this is painful…) my internal editor complains that "women" only got one mention at the start and should be alongside mentions of "men" throughout. Although, by historical precedent, as you wrote it is more dramatic.
However, I will quibble on one point. ",,,who have defended our freedoms when there were no cameras around to catch them in the act…" They were honoring Medal of Honor recipients. As I have watched "The War" by Ken Burns, and regard it as the greatest act of public service done by PBS ever(!), I learned to get the medal what you did needs to be seen, documented, with the paperwork filed to even be considered. I'm certain there were some cameras involved. And that there are countless more heroes whose acts were never documented, perhaps not even seen, and have been or will be forgotten in time, who deserve no less praise.
Thanks Robert for sharing this. You were awesome on "World Over" with Raymond Arroyo. Watched the all the re-airings! Your 8 your old son as a great role model in you as well as those you met with at the Reagan Library.
Thank you Rose for your service!
meh, "has" a great role model….
sorry – late typing and still creeped out from that Watchmen post….
Thanks for the column, Robert. I had the opportunity to volunteer my sound & light system for an appreciation dinner for a National Guard unit that was back from combat, many of them soon to return. They were also there to honor men in their unit who had died in combat. The soldiers and their families were unbelievably kind and appreciative, not to mention humble (I share your sense of awe of the men and women who put themselves in harms way, and make sure to pass it on to my 8 year-old daughter as well). When it was over the event organizer repeatedly thanked me, to which I had to reply, "No, thank you."
It was so nice to do something for someone else for once instead of hustling to keep my own butt above water (not to mention doing it for people so deserving).
God, it's good to hear good old fashioned love of country, loyalty and honor. Wish I could have been there with all of you. Up here, patriotism is defined as seeing "Milk," twice.
Excellent. Thanks Robert.
Mr. Davi, thank you for your column and for the work that you have done over the years. I am a huge fan and was happy to find out that you are a true patriot. Thanks for sharing your story and keep up the good work.
Cool post Robert! A prime example of American exceptionallism.
A moving post, and nice to know Stargate: Atlantis' greatest villain has his head on straight.
Good job Robert. I wish the young people of this country could read stories like this, and bring some patriotism back to our youth. Instead of all the other crap their into.
Robert you are a great American! Love your work too!
Love ya Robert!
Robert, love your work. Love your views as well. Such a weird world in which many view with disdain and hostility the love of country and the admiration of those who protect our country. How did we reach this point in humanity? Thanks for all you do, man.
Franz Sanchez speaks! and 007 listened… Davi has become one of conservatism's more articulate Hollywood spokesmen. Remember FBI agents Johnson and Johnson in 'Die Hard'?… he hung out with both McClain and Bond… not too shabby,,,
Mr Davi, wonderful article, thanks. My father told me to serve my country before I start taking from it. I spent 3 years in the US Army and was glad I did. It's true patriots like yourself and my dad that continue to make this country great.Good luck and gods speed to all you vets.
I love your work , please keep it coming.
These are the kind of people who all of us pale by comparison. They inspire generations. Thank you, Robert Davi.
http://the100mostannoyingthings.blogspot.com/
Two words: Hippy movement.
Johnson and Johnson… how could we forget!?
And as much as I love Die Hard, I also think Licence to Kill is a bit underrated. I know some people think it plays like just another Joel Silver 80s action movie at times but I can't help wondering what subsequent Bond films would have been like if this one was a hit and Dalton stayed on as Bond.
I agree it plays better now than it did when first released… Dalton did yeoman's work and kept the franchise warm, as did Lazenby before him. And how about putting Benicio Del Toro on the map- he'll flip ya for real…
I served in the military but the honors go to those who knowingly and willingly put their lives on the line to protect our nation and what it stands for. If only military service were a requirement before taking higher office in the U.S.. I can think of no better screening process. Our military encourages and prizes character qualities that we can only dream of from those who currently hold higher office. Qualities like honor, duty, selflessness, sacrifice, leadership, love of country/patriotism and courage. Our nation would be better off without bureaucrats, lawyers, greedy/bored multimillionaires and career politicians who lack the self discipline and strength of character to say what they mean and mean what they say.
Beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks for the column, Robert. I recently had the opportunity to volunteer my sound & light system for an appreciation dinner for a National Guard unit that was back from combat, many of them soon to return. They were also there to honor men in their unit who had died overseas. The soldiers and their families were unbelievably kind and appreciative, not to mention humble (I share your sense of awe of the men and women who put themselves in harms way, and make sure to pass it on to my 8 year-old daughter as well). When it was over, the event organizer repeatedly thanked me, to which I had to reply, "No, thank you."
It was so nice to do something for someone else for once instead of hustling to keep my own butt above water (not to mention doing it for people so deserving). Sadly, it reminded me of how little I've done to give back. Everyone should find something to contribute, at least once, so these brave men and women (and their families who suffer so much) will never doubt how appreciative we all are.
Outstanding!
Wish you were the Gov!
You brought tears to my eyes, Robert. Thank you and bless your heart.
Great post! Loved you in "Goonies"! One of my favorite movies still….
hero of Real Americans is the military
hero of the democrats is mike moore, jimmy carter, the muslim terrorist, etc
nuff said
Alright! My favorite bad guy from Stargate Atlantis joins Big Hollywood!! Welcome.
Nice article, by the way, great sentiments.
I noticed a recurring theme in Robert's commentary: MEN. I believe the station, value and respect the American man used to, perhaps, take for granted has all but disappeared from our society, and I also believe it can be won back. America needs strong, principled, action-oriented men in every nook and cranny of American society, now more than ever. This isn't a commentary on the role of women, but that of the diminishing role of men in society. Whether fighting wars, providing for families, maintaining peace and order or educating and ministering to the youth of our country, men need to step up now, or find the ashes of our nation falling just as silently as the American man is choosing to respond to the challenges we face today.
Mr. Davi, thank you for putting this up. I'm tired of people, especially the whacko Lefties around here, slamming on our men and woman who bust their tails to serve this country. I know it's not perfect, and no country is, but for those who slam on the USA and the people who serve I say this: No one is forcing you to stay here.
I served this nation for five years in the US Air Force, and I still serve today in the Virginia Defense Force. I will continue to serve as long as my body and mind will let me.
We need REAL MEN in this nation to keep it alive. Not the Brad Pitts, not the Nick Lacheys, not the Justin Timberlakes, and certainly not the Michael Jacksons!!! We need more like Robert Davi, the last Charlton Heston, the late John Wayne (now there was a man's man!!!), the late Robert Mitchum, and the men who serve this nation proudly.
Thanks for posting! I wish I could have been there. We can't thank our fine military (AND their families) enough for the sacrifices they are making.
Welcome to BH Mr. Davi !
Mr. Davi, in today's PC climate I felt this quote was totally appropriate.
Max Von Sydow in Conan the Barbarian –
"What daring! What outrageousness! What insolence! What arrogance! … I salute you."
Good going. Now you'll never work on a Sean Penn project for the rest of your career.
(Seriously though, good article).
More specifically, the hippies from the 60s & 70s are all grown up and are running the government as well as Hollywood.
I can't remember, was he Agent Johnson or Special Agent Johnson?
You can say that again! And again…
Mr Davi actually had a recent OpEd, USA Today I think, specifically supporting Sean Penn's Oscar acceptance speech which was a rather well reasoned account.
Sorry, Vaugh, but if my years of service has taught me anything, it's taught me to never run for office…!
Thanks for this tribute. I had the high privilege of growing up in the US military in the constant company of such men and women. When I grew up, I served with them. They are the class acts of this country. I hope one day more people in Hollywood, like you, come to recognize that fact.
Robert,
You were a true gentleman when we did "Goonies" in '84 and "Tales From The Crypt" in '90, and you remain so to this day. Thank you for your integrity, your wisdom and your honesty.
All the best,
Mark Marshall
Thank You Mr. Davi for supporting the Bave Men and Women of our military. My Son served 4 tours with the 82nd in this War on Terror and this country owes the Brave Warriors of this generation respect and support. They have kept us safe since 9/11. Your support means the world to these Heroes.
I saw your speech at the CPAC and I just want you to know, this mom loves you and Andrew. You too are Heroes of our time! Thank you for all you are doing!
Beverly Perlson
The Band of Mothers
I think what Mr Davi is saying is that, these patriots don't NEED cameras to serve (unlike certain former presidential candidates who carry cameras in order to STAGE heroism). After Action reports usually serve as the documentation that leads to commendation. Patriotism is someting that cannot be contained. When faced with adversity, it must act…regardless of who or what is watching. This has been true reaching all the way back through our history…before there were "moving" pictures. You are correct, though, that there are many whose acts of heroism may not receive the notice they deserve but do not seek.
Thanks Mr Davi.
well, he was the AIC, one remembers… but they were all done in byPaul Gleason's LA Police chief… 'we need more FBI guys'…
sry i just know how to write my name in arabic
) anyway however my english is very poor but maybe i understand what you talk about. thanks
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