I wrote the below article shortly after President Reagan was shot back in 1981. It brought back horrible memories to many of us and I felt the need to say something.
April 3, 1981
I’m going to try to say something serious (emphasis on the word “try”). It will probably be in the next paragraph because this one has already gotten out of hand. Being serious is not easy for me. However, I have had some difficulty in finding material since Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman went off the air. But, as a young trial attorney, I found that saying something silly would confuse the other side, and the judge and sometimes the jury. And when your client was observed committing the crime and then confessed, the only thing you have left on your side is a hope for confusion.
I took leave this week and was coming back from Herington, Kansas when KJCK interrupted its regular programming. It announced that while the facts were still sketchy, it appeared that President Reagan had been shot. Those of us who lived through the 1963 President Kennedy ordeal surely relived horrible thoughts and memories. That terrible, helpless feeling of again not knowing. In the next few hours, the radio and TV announced everything from the President had not been hit, to the other extreme that the doctors were gearing up for open heart surgery. Again, that helpless feeling of just not knowing.
At times like this there is a great desire to do something. This just fuels the frustration, because it seems there is very little that any of us can do. But, at the same time, think about these things.
First, we are a constitutional government that will continue regardless of what tragedy occurs.
Second, in order to ensure that continuation, the United States must be strong. This strength is transmitted to other nations in many ways, but probably the most significant is by our military power.
Lastly, we who wear the uniform of our nation have the ability on a daily basis, to do our utmost to make this great Army better. Our military community, which includes the civilian work force and all family members, also has the ability to contribute.
So, when that helpless feeling starts gnawing, keep in mind that serving our nation at a time of crises is nothing to take lightly. Everyday, your effort and energy is doing something toward making this nation’s Army a little bit better.
Written by PJ Rice at www.ricequips.com