Gold Star Mother Debbie Lee emails:

I sit at my keyboard reflecting on the celebrations ahead, the birthday of America and of our President just a few days away. I know that this year will be different than any other 4th of July. I have always been a patriot and understand that our freedom has been purchased by the sacrifice of many, some who paid the ultimate price. This year I don’t just acknowledge and understand that, I personally know the sacrifice, the depth of the pain and the priceless cost of our freedom. My son Marc Alan Lee gave all for our freedom. He was the first Navy Seal killed in Iraq Aug 2, 2006.

I remember last 4th of July watching the spectacular fireworks lighting up the darkness of the evening sky. I remember the thunderous noise that each different explosion made and I wondered if this was like the sounds of war that Marc was hearing in Ramadi. I remember thinking how blessed I was to be celebrating the wonderful country that I lived in and the freedom that I have, knowing that my son, could be at that very moment in the midst of a firefight that could be producing the same sights and sounds. That firefight could be lighting up the dark sky where Marc was defending the freedoms I was experiencing. That firefight could be requiring the lives of any one of our troops who were willing if necessary to give the ultimate sacrifice for me, for my family, for the country they stood proudly for and swore their allegiance to defend. I remember crying at the thought of my baby all 6’0” of him, now a Navy Seal with muscles bulging and six pack abs, a perfect picture of intimidating strength and courage running into battle, not away from it. He was “One of the elite of the elite” as President Bush would later tell me. I remember missing him so and longing for the day he would return home.

We heard on Aug 2nd that Marc would be coming home but the news was not joyful, as Marc would be returning home in a flag draped casket. Marc was buried Aug 12th in San Diego at Fort RoseCrans with a 21 gun salute and full military honors.  The honor and respect that was paid to him that day by the Seal community was like none I had ever seen. We also had a Memorial Service in Hood River, Oregon where we were from. My Congressman Greg Walden showed such concern, sympathy and support for our family’s loss. He spoke at Marc’s Memorial service in Oregon paying tribute and honor to Marc‘s sacrifice. In one of our conversations I had shared that even though we had experienced such deep sorrow and loss that I still believed in what we were doing over there. That I still supported our troops, Our President and his stand against the War on Terror and that maybe because of my son‘s sacrifice I would have the privilege of one day meeting him.

I received a phone call a few weeks later that Congressman Greg Walden would be having dinner with The President that Wednesday and would hand deliver a letter to the President for me, sharing my thoughts and my desire to meet him and thank him personally. The same night that my letter was delivered, President Bush hand wrote a letter that shared his deep sorrow, his deep respect for Marc and shared how I had lifted his spirit. He said he would be honored to meet me. In October President Bush’s Office called and arranged for me to meet him on his stop in Phoenix. The next few days after the phone call were filled with so many thoughts and questions. What to wear, what to say, do you greet him with a hug or a handshake? The day before our meeting I gathered a Seal Team 3 hat, a Seal Trident pin, and a copy of Marc with his platoon in Iraq. I also brought a copy of one of Marc’s amazing emails home just before July 4th that I have now labeled his “Glory letter.” I had decided that even though I wanted to hug him that it probably wouldn’t be proper and that if I didn’t want security tackling me to the ground and my picture on the National Enquire, I should greet him with a handshake. My son Kristofer and his wife Naomi also live in Phoenix so they escorted me that morning to what would be a lifetime memory.

President Bush spoke at a fundraiser for Rick Renzi and then we were escorted to a room they had prepared for us to meet The President. When we walked in there was a small couch and 2 chairs arranged in a “U.” I sat on the couch thinking that no matter where he sat I would be close. My son suggested that He and Naomi sit on the couch since there were two of them. I guess that makes sense, but I wouldn’t be as close to The President. As I sat in the chair about 8 feet away from the empty chair I couldn’t believe how childish I was acting that I wouldn’t be close. I mean hello…I’m going to be in the same room as The President who is arranging his schedule to meet me. They have pastries, juices and coffee prepared for us, but who can eat at a time like this? A few minutes later his secret service lead him into the room. We stand and step toward him. Before I can even lift my hand to shake his, he reaches out his arms to hugs me and with tears in his eyes he says, “I am so sorry for your loss.” His secret service had left us alone in the room. There were no cameras in the room and these tears where not for a “Photo Op.” These tears came from a man who sincerely carried the burden and loss for my son Marc and for every other brave man and woman who had laid down their lives.

After I introduced him to my son and daughter-in-law we sat down. President Bush walked over to the empty chair, looked at it and then back at me and as he slid the heavy chair across the floor said, “This is where I want to sit, next to a heroes Mom.” He pulled the chair within 2 inches of mine and sat down. I chuckled inside as I remembered the previous conversation I had with myself as to seating arrangements. President Bush then picked up my hand and held it and sincerely asked how I was doing. He reminded me I would need to rely on my faith during a time like this. I shared that I am experiencing the amazing strength and hope that God is giving me in the midst of this deep sorrow and grief!  We talked about Marc and his character that caused him to willingly give up his life to save his buddies. We talked about our family and the challenges of being a single parent and shared some great memories of Marc. I shared about my newly adopted Seal sons and the amazing support from the Seal community. We talked about my commitment to use my voice to make a difference in America to support our troops. I gave him the Seal Team 3 hat, the Seal Trident and the picture of Marc and his platoon. I asked if I made copies of the Platoon picture for each one of my newly adopted sons would he sign one to each one of them. He called Jared in and asked him to “get me the “special address” where important mail goes.” That made me fell pretty special!

We visited a little longer and then he signed pictures we had brought. As we were ready to depart he had his White House photographer come in and take pictures. He shared how much he loves the Seals and that they are the “Elite of the Elite,” and brought in the Seal who always travels with him. As he was leaving he gave me another hug and looked straight into my eyes and slowly and with deep sincerity and conviction told me “Your son’s sacrifice will not be in vain.”

After the President left, we all just sat back down in amazement as to what had just taken place. Now, I could use some coffee and a pastry. We tried to figure out how long it had been and we guessed about 15 or 20 minutes. Later we were to learn from his staff that it had been 35 minutes. It felt as though I had just spent 35 minutes in my living room with family and friends, comfortable and relaxed. One of my first thoughts about the President was what a humble, genuine, sincere man he was. Not once did he look at his watch, or act like he had another care in the world. This was The President of the United States and we had his undivided attention. You knew that he deeply carried the sacrifice of each one of these brave men and women. It was obvious the depth of his compassion and that he truly loved America and wanted to defend and protect her. His motives are genuine and pure.

I feel that President Bush has been unfairly attacked by the Main Stream Media and I wanted America to know the character of the man who I have come to know. A man of faith whose character is steadfast, loyal, compassionate, sincere, humble, truthful and genuine. I am honored that President Bush was the Commander in Chief of my son and our Nation during this extremely difficult time. Do I think President Bush is perfect? No way! He will be the first to humbly admit that he isn’t perfect. I’m not perfect and I’m sure that you aren’t either. Although… I have met those who think their perfect??? Do I worship President Bush? The only one I worship is the one who sacrificed His life on the Cross so that we could be free for eternity. Do I agree on everything with President Bush? No, we were on opposite sides on the Immigration bill. Do you agree with everything that anybody does 100%? Do you give up on them just because they think differently on some things than you do? President Bush is celebrating his Birthday on July 6th and I can’t think of a better gift to give him than to tell America of my experiences meeting him and his noble character. I am so proud of President Bush, his dedication to serving America and continuing to stand up for her, to protect her and her citizens.

Happy Birthday President Bush! May God continue to bless you!

Happy Birthday America and thank you to everyone who has fought to keep America free and One nation under God!

God Bless America,

Debbie Lee

In Memory of Marc Alan Lee,
My “Mighty Warrior”
KIA 8-2-06

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 3, 2007 at 09:47 PM in Caring about our troops, Patriotism | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: Wild Thing

God bless you and thank you for all you do. Have a very special Independence Day my friend.

Posted by: Wild Thing | Jul 4, 2007 3:18:42 AM

Posted by: V D Lopez

As one SEAl parent to another, I am doubly sorry for your loss as I expect in my worst dreams to get that ssme call one day. My son is a part of the SEAL family, knew everyone on that helicopter that went down in Afganistan with the loss of 19 lives, as well as the one who survived on the ground. I've met him and his parents and by association with my son, I am also a member of the SEAL support team.

Posted by: V D Lopez | Jul 7, 2007 10:27:03 PM

Posted by: W Thornton

Your letter brought tears to my eyes and I emphathize with your situation and agree with your outlook about our president and our great nation.

A Navy Seal friend of mine, sent this email to me while he continues to serve our nation. My husband is a Navy Seal, and Medal of Honor Recipient, and although he is retired now, he continues to support our soldiers every day by speaking on their behalf and by supporting the many families of his fallen brothers. He is currently attending the change of command of the only Navy Seal Admiral to receive his 4th star. My husband spends every waking moment trying to find ways to support his country and I admire him greatly for every effort he makes. He is my hero; he is one of our nation's greatest heros and he will not let anyone forget his fellow heros.

Continue to speak out for the support of our soldiers and this great country of ours. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Posted by: W Thornton | Jul 8, 2007 3:22:47 PM