Hollywood Use Your Influence, Show Your Gratitude
Hollywood wake up! In case you hadn’t noticed or forgot, we have noble, courageous, brave, and selfless men and women serving heroically in Iraq and Afghanistan. My son Marc Alan Lee was one of those heroes. He was the first Navy SEAL to give his life fighting the war on terror in Iraq. His SEAL task-unit is the most highly decorated special-ops unit since Vietnam.
On Aug 2, 2006, he made the choice in an intense firefight to stand out in the direct line of fire three times to defend his buddies and the freedoms that he so loved and believed in. He did that for you and for every American so that you could continue to live in the “land of the free.” He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his selfless and courageous actions that day. He was also posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with valor for his similar courageous actions on July 17-18, 2006. They’ve also named the base where he was in Ramadi “Camp Marc Lee” in his honor.
I visited Camp Marc Lee in Iraq in December of 2008 when I spent Christmas thanking and honoring our heroes. I was embedded with the 1-4 Cav and went out on patrol several times in the Doura Neighborhood in Baghdad. I saw first hand the professionalism with which our heroes carry out their jobs. I saw their respect for the local Iraqis. I saw pictures of that neighborhood just the year before that resembled a ghost town. No children or people in the streets, no shops open, no cooperation from the locals with the US troops because Al Qaeda would kill them if they saw them talking to the troops.
When I walked on those same streets I couldn’t believe the difference. Children were playing in the streets and on the new playgrounds, 150 shops were open, the locals would come up and thank the troops for the changes they had made and the freedoms they had given them. I saw first hand the successes of our troops.
I am appalled that the mainstream media and Hollywood continue to portray my son and our troops as murderers, liars, and rapists with despicable character. Harry Reid calls them “losers,” John Murtha accuses them of cold blooded murders, Janet Napolitano releases a report calling them “potential terrorists.” Why the hatred towards our brave men and women who have given so much for them and their freedoms? Why do you focus on the bad decisions and action of a very small percentage and make it sound like that is the character of all of our faithful and selfless heroes who willingly serve and give? Why do you dishonor our troops this way?
As a single parent I worked 3 jobs at times and persevered to raise my three little children. I taught them morals, respect, determination and a love for their country and for God. Marc was a hero who valued the lives of others as more important than his own and willingly gave his life fighting for this country. Now Homeland Security has released a report labeling me a “right wing extremist” and my son a “potential terrorist”? We are true-blooded Americans who believe in our Constitution, in God and what this country was founded on and now we are being portrayed as the enemy? What has happened to America?
Where are the films — the success stories of the majority of our troops who heroically sacrifice so that you may live. I am disgusted and deeply hurt that you continue to desecrate and humiliate our men and women who have served and the sacrifices of our heroes like my son, Marc Alan Lee. His last letter home and the stories of how he lived and the sacrifice he made has impacted thousands of lives all over the world. You can read his letter at www.americasmightywarriors.org and get a glimpse of this amazing, mighty warrior.
Hollywood has the ability to influence millions of people and they have our troops to thank for that freedom of speech. The time is NOW to use that influence and show your gratitude. You owe it to those who sacrificed so that you could live. You owe it to the families who have been deeply hurt by your deception, distortion and lies. Honor our troops and stand behind them and their families by telling the truth and the success stories of our heroes. Get some courage and fortitude and do the right thing.
My son Marc didn’t have to stand up 3 times that day in the direct line of fire. He could have stayed out of sight, protected by the barrier of the wall, but he valued others lives more important than his own. He displayed courage and defended you and I and our freedoms. It’s time you do the same thing and stand up to honor our troops and tell their courageous stories without your spin on it.
He gave his all for this nation, what will you give?
To that very small minority in Hollywood who have stood by our troops, their families and the families of the fallen, THANK YOU! I love and appreciate each one of you. May God continue to bless you!
Debbie Lee
Proud Mother of a Hero!
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