TAKE ME TO TASK: THEY ARE ALL HEROES!
February 16th, 2010 | 10:53 am
U.S. Marine Lane Faison (Photo Courtesy of Sandy Faison)
When my book on the Monuments Men was reviewed by The Washington Post in what was an expansive and, overall, good review (but for the “drive by” parting comment), the writer did take exception to my characterization of these men and women as “heroes” stating:
“In civilian life they were professional art people or patrons of the arts, and they seem to have regarded their work during the war as an extension and amplification of their civilian careers. They worked very hard and very effectively, but they seem to have had no sense of (or inclination toward) heroics, and my judgment is that they should be viewed accordingly: with respect and gratitude, but not elevated to the exalted precincts of heroism.”
I found this comment astonishing: two Monuments Men were killed in action, others had many close calls, most all volunteered, and without exception all of them made a significant sacrifice. The Monuments Men and women not only didn’t have to be in combat, but many of them had to go to considerable lengths just to finagle their way into active duty. I remain of the opinion that the Monuments Men and women WERE heroes, one and all.
I apply the same standard to men and women in uniform today. Some kids join gangs; some go to college or trade school; some chase the almighty dollar; and some goof off. Others still enter military service as a career; some do it for the opportunity to receive a great college education they might otherwise not be able to afford. Others hope to continue a family tradition of military service. Whatever the reason, these brave men and women are stationed somewhere around the world which means they are away from family, friends, and serving their nation, often in harm’s way. Yes, they are paid for duty (as are police officers and firemen—and I consider them heroes also!), but that shouldn’t diminish the degree of sacrifice involved with their job in any way. Every soldier I see in an airport, headed home on leave or back to his or her unit, has by dint of service earned my respect and admiration.
One such soldier who I want to mention is the grandson of one of our beloved Monuments Men (S. Lane Faison, Jr.), Lane Faison. His great grandfather served in the U. S. Army and his grandfather served in the U.S. Navy with distinction. His grandfather was someone I adored, an early member of the OSS who interrogated many of the Nazis in an effort to determine their respective roles in the art thefts and discern what Hitler’s plans were for the Führermuseum he hoped to build in his hometown of Linz. I first met his grandson, Lane, at his memorial service in December 2006, a little more than a month after having interviewed his grandfather. In the time since, Lane joined the U. S. Marines and is currently serving overseas having seen duty in Afghanistan. We are all proud of his sense of purpose and willingness to serve his country in this manner. I know his grandfather would be beaming with pride.
To Lane, and all his fellow servicemen and women, especially those in harm’s way, we salute you, wish you success with your mission, and a safe return home upon completion.
Tags: Fuhrermuseum, Heroes, Linz, Marines, Monuments Men, Robert Edsel, S Lane Faison, U.S. Army, United States Military, Washington Post
