Sharpshooter6 Posted February 10, 2004 Share Posted February 10, 2004 Something I found interesting, though the Captain Kangaroo may be a bit old for some of us. None the less, a good read. Subject: Heroes from our youth There are quiet men among us who show us the true meaning of service. Mike Baran Captain Kangaroo Quite a few of us grew up with Captain Kangaroo. We knew nothing of his background, only that his show was both entertaining and educational. As kids we looked forward to it with anticipation. Captain Kangaroo turned 76 recently, which is odd because he's never looked a day under 76 (dob: 6/27/27). This brings to mind the following story. Some people have been offended that the actor Lee Marvin is buried in a grave along side 3 and 4 star generals at Arlington National Cemetery. His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC) - nothing else. Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time, why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well, following is the amazing answer. In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces, often in rear-echelon posts where they were carefully protected only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima. There is only one higher Naval award....the Medal of Honor. If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery. Dialog from the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson with Lee Marvin as guest: "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima...and during the course of action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded." "Yeah, yeah...I got shot square in the hind end and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi...bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys gettin' shot hauling you down. But, Johnny, at Iwo I served under the bravest man I ever knew...we both got the Cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison. This brave guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the heck off the beach. Bullets flying by and mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target of gun fire so he could get his men to safety. He did that on more than one occasion because his men's safety was more important than his own life. That sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, "Where'd they get you Lee?" "Well, Bob...if you make it home before me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse?" Johnny, I'm not lying...Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew... The sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan...You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo. On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But, Mr. Rogers was a US Navy Seal, combat proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long sleeve sweater on his show to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. A master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat. After the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never again harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. He hid the tattoos and his past life away and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm. America's real heroes don't flaunt what they did, they quietly go about their day to day lives doing what they do best. Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enders Posted February 11, 2004 Share Posted February 11, 2004 yea I heard of himhe was the American equivelant of Mr.Dressup, he died recently...Mr.Dressup still owns him up though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macgyver Posted February 11, 2004 Share Posted February 11, 2004 I knew about this as well. Thanks for the post.I am sure a lot of others do not know about these guys and what they did for Honor and Country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBojangles Posted February 11, 2004 Share Posted February 11, 2004 Captain Kangaroo is dead..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macgyver Posted February 11, 2004 Share Posted February 11, 2004 You are correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_NORM_US_1 Posted February 11, 2004 Share Posted February 11, 2004 His buddy Mr. Greenjeans died recently if I'm not mistaken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpshooter6 Posted February 11, 2004 Author Share Posted February 11, 2004 I posted this same topic on another forum, and a guy posted this: great story but completely made up. i saw something about this on one of those myth shows on tv, and i found a couple links to go along with it. http://www.snopes.com/military/keeshan.htm http://www.snopes.com/radiotv/tv/mrrogers.asp Now I only believed what I read in the email I recieved about this subject from a friend but the post seems to make you think otherwise, though i dont know if these websites provide legitimate facts... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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