Last Thursday, under a brilliant blue Chicago sky, I had the great fortune to sit behind home plate and up about ten rows at historic Wrigley Field. I was really there to see Dennis Miller throw out the first pitch. What I didn't know is that it was going to be even better than that.
On the field lining both the first and third base line were a number of men, most of them wearing a red short sleeve shirt with a logo that you couldn't read but clearly this was more than a senior gathering of older gentlemen. Dennis intermingled with them and then went out and sent in the first pitch, but along the way, the announcer introduced the men in red. All of them were Medal of Honor Awardees from seven different wars that our nation fought and were attending an association gathering in Chicago (http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/09-04-2009/0005088656&EDATE=) The announcer helped frame the requirements of being awarded this medal for courage, but the bottom line is that they had to risk their lives in combat, and clearly demonstrate beyond any measure of belief that this was a courageous act. My personal appreciation to both Boeing and TriWest for sponsoring the event.
So why do I mention that? Dennis commented later that evening to a gathering of supporters of USA Cares and prior to a show he did on our behalf, that while he was thinking about asking for a "do-over" for his first pitch, he realized that he was among genuine American heroes and that anything that would take away from that, and that would be wrong. He went on at the Park West Theater and gave a rendition of vintage Dennis Miller that left everybody happy and wanting more. His sense of humor might not be appreciated by everyone in our nation, but there is no one that has more compassion for those who server and protect our nation.
As for the benefit show, with wonderful support from AM Radio WIND, 650 on the dial and other sponsors, USA Cares will be the recipient of what we believe to be over $110,000 for the night. This support is a reflection of the dedication and trust of a group of men and women in the Chicago area who we have worked with over the past five years and who have become true friends.
So, for the windy city, on the 17th of September, you shined bright, and when I looked down from the John Hancock Building, I realized just how wonderful our nation, this city and these people truly are. For those men and women who are out there today and tonight serving thanks, to my friend Nick, flying off the carrier into Afghanistan, stay safe and thanks.
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