Band Of Brothers- a ten part television WW II miniseries based on the book written by Stephen Ambrose. It is an eye opening account of the day to day lives of the men of Easy Company of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.
In an earlier post I shared a commentary about my experience as the MC at the Republican Lincoln Day Dinner in Shelton, Washington. In this post, I would like to share another story about a really great guy who spoke at this event.
Buck Compton was that speaker.
Buck Compton, is LT. Lynn Buck Compton, played by actor Neal McDonaugh in the Band of Brothers Miniseries. Buck was a highly esteemed officer in Easy Company.
Here is a Introduction Bio I read on the Website-DiversityWorking.com "Buck Compton was born in Los Angeles on December 31, 1921. He was a gifted athlete. He had played for the UCLA baseball team, where he was as an All-American catcher, and then for the UCLA football team that competed in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 1943. A month after the Rose Bowl, Compton attended the Officers Candidates School and underwent jump school at Fort Benning for 3 months. In December 1943, as a second lieutenant, he was assigned to Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne. Along with other troops from the Allied forces, Easy Company began preparing for the invasion of Europe."
What I found most moving, during his presentation, was his account of the changes he has witnessed during his life time. Not only did technology make vast improvements and dramatic changes in our lives... we, as a culture, a people, Americans...have changed as well.
The freedoms, that we take for granted today, were hard fought and won on the battle fields of Bastogne, Normandy, the Pacific and countless other Campaigns by Young American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. His message, his view, his opinion is that we are giving these freedoms away every time we Vote for Change. Buck urged us to think carefully every time we elect to make - Change... what we allow or disallow.
The plethora of Rights we have can be eroded away one by one if we do not pay careful attention to what we are doing. We are a government of the people for the people and by the people. It is important that we do not take that luxury for granted by giving away our freedoms one piece at a time.
I am humbled by the Commitment, Bravery and Sacrifice that Buck and his fellow Band of Brothers gave for our Freedom. I will remember. I will not let people forget. I will tell their story to future generations. And when I pick up a ballot... I will Remember. I urge you to do the same.
Thank you Lt. Compton for your Service to our Country.
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