[BNW] Something To Remember

[Alderac@aol.com]

My Dear Friends, 

    Today, the United States of America crosses the threshold of the 59th 
Anniversary of the Imperial Japanese Navy's attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii... 
the event that sparked America's involvement in the Second World War.
    It can be troubling sometimes to know that there are Americans that do 
not know or remember this "day that will live in infamy."
    My messge to you on this day is that we should never take for granted the 
freedom we have... paid in blood by the Greatest Generation.

    Please allow me to relate the story of one of the greatest days of my 
life:  When I was still performing demonstration of the L5R CCG for FRPG, I 
had the opportunity to be at the first Magic ProTour L.A., which was hosted 
at the Queen Mary Hotel & Convention Center, here in Long Beach, California.
    On this same night, a fund raising banquet was being held where the 
invitees were all Medal Of Honor recipients.  These were men of all classes, 
creeds & religions. They  joined together in one place, regailed in their 
finest tuxedos, and some in their very own original military dress uniforms, 
because they had performed a feat of heroism so great, they had been awarded 
our nation's highest military honor... an honor which is awarded posthumously 
more times than not.
    I happened to be taking the same elevator ride as eight of these great 
men, and was awestruck by the spirit of bravery and humility shared by these 
men.  It was overwhelming.  I could not help but turn to the gentleman 
nearest me and stuck out my hand to shake his as I said, "Sir, I don't know 
what you did, but thank you."
    He took my hand, and replied, "I was just a kid on some island in the 
Pacific doing my job to help my friends."
    I came to find a few moments later from this gentleman's wife, that he 
was a U.S. Marine, and that he dove on a Japanese grenade to save the others 
in his unit.

    THIS MAN JUMPED ON A GRENADE TO SAVE THE LIVES OF THE OTHER MEN IN HIS 
UNIT!!!  And his only response to my thanks was that he was just doing his 
job.  His humility left me with tears of pride.

    This Greatest Generation is quickly leaving us to the afterlife.  Never 
forget what they did for you.

    To everyone you know that served in this great conflict, please extend my 
sincerest appreciation and respect.  I will always remember.

Sincerely,

Marcelo A. Figueroa
Promotions Manager
AEG