Last week (January 2nd, 2011) Richard Winters, one of the key figures of the Book and outstanding historical archive “Band of Brothers” passed away at age 92. The word of his passing didn’t filter through to the media until Monday the 10th.
The reason – thats the way Dick Winters wanted it, no attention drawn to himself till after his funeral. His desire to never seek out the limelight or to try and capitalize on the fame brought to him by being one of the “Band of Brothers”. A few years ago a movement started to get Winter’s the medal of Honor. Never did Col. Winters participate or campaign for the medal. He continued to repeat the line from one of his comrades, “was I a hero in the war? No, but I served in a company of heros”.
To me, and thousands of others, Richard Winters is the poster boy for the image of the American Soldier. He was a volunteer. He was a gifted leader that knew his first duty was to the men who served with him. He tried to live and lead by example. It is rare to see a person who universally seemed to impact all he touched with his integrity, sense of duty, determination and intellect.
Col. Winters will be eulogized by people far more capable then me, but I just wanted to make a personal thank him and to promise to keep his memory as a guidon for myself and my sons as we journey through life.
Richard Winters, was a hero and stands as a sining example of whatalways makes me proud to be an American.
