Armed Forces Day (Saturday, May 20) was a day to pay tribute to the men and women who serve the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day (Tuesday, May 29) is celebrated to remember military service members who have died in the line of duty. I want to share a story with all of the proud citizens of Poplar Bluff about one of your heroic military families - the Hornbecks. This story honors both active duty Armed Forces service members as well as those who have previously served.
One of your fellow Poplar Bluff citizens - Debbie Trout, my wife Marianne's cousin, is mentioned in my best-selling book: Destination Greatness - Creating a New Americanism. Debbie's Dad, Donnie Hornbeck, died last year and, as is the case for most of the Hornbeck Family, he is buried in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery. The Hornbeck Family is mentioned in the book:
Another great story comes to us from the heartland of the United States -- Poplar Bluff, Missouri. My wife and I drove from our home in Texas to Poplar Bluff to attend the funeral of her Uncle -- Donnie Hornbeck. Donnie's daughter and only child, Ms. Debbie Trout, is a wonderful cousin and true friend. Her dad led an admirable life -- service in the Armed Forces and then service to the school district for many years. He was a perfect exemplar of a great American. From the moment we entered the town of Poplar Bluff, we were awestruck by the kindness of those we met there -- they were truly welcoming, warm, and genuinely friendly. They understood and practiced the American value of benevolence. We had the great opportunity to have dinner with several of the ladies that serve in the Poplar Bluff courthouse. What fine examples they all were of service and benevolence to others -- truly unsung heroes of the New Americanism.
The time soon came for the service and funeral for Uncle Donnie. At Cousin Debbie's request, Marianne sat next to her, facing the flag-draped casket, under the funeral tent on the grounds of the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery. It was raining that day. Others stood around the tent with umbrellas -- I stood nearby so that I could capture some video with my phone. The local Army Reserve provided three soldiers and a firing party because Donnie was a veteran and the family highly respected his service to country. The soldiers did an excellent job of carrying out their ceremonial duties. Everything proceeded as expected. The firing party fired their shots skyward and then it happened. At the very moment that the last shot was fired, the skies instantly cleared up and the sun burst through the clouds -- but mostly right on Uncle Donnie's flag-draped casket. The sun's rays appeared to be focused on that casket -- several in attendance were visibly stunned. Marianne and Debbie exchanged glances and squeezed each other's hands in recognition that something extraordinary had just occurred. To me, it was almost as if the Lord had sent Donnie that message that we all want to hear when we pass, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
The skies went back to gray and light rain ensued. That moment of sunshine lent clarity to the spirit of Americanism that permeated throughout the entire Hornbeck family. From the American Revolutionary War service of Sergeant Benjamin Hornbeck, to the Civil War, and in present times, the great American Hornbeck family served in defense of our nation. Marianne's dad Ira served twice in Vietnam where he was exposed to deadly Agent Orange which caused the cancer that took him away from his family. Ira's brother Everett was a prisoner of war in World War II. Brother Donnie served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and brothers Jesse and Carl in World War II. Brother Ralph served in the Army as well. The family's heritage and legacy is one of defending our freedom and liberty by serving in uniform -- for the good of all Americans.
It's sometimes difficult for folks to place their busy lives on hold to be able to honor military service members, both past and present. We must do that, however, because it's our sacred duty as Americans. We're here because of their sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication to duty. It's the very least we can do - offer them thanks for all they have done to keep us safe. One should never say, "I'm understaffed and overworked" as an excuse not to take time to recognize these brave military members. After all, it's these same military servants who never respond with "We're understaffed and overworked - so we can't protect you from harm today." They just get the job done against all obstacles. They never ask for thanks - it is we who must take the initiative to thank them.
It's with a great deal of pride that I say thank you to the greatest generation of the Hornbeck Family - to Ira Hornbeck, Everett Hornbeck, Donnie Hornbeck, Jesse Hornbeck, Carl Hornbeck, and Ralph Hornbeck. All of these brave men answered the call of duty and they were great Americans. Please join me in thanking every Poplar Bluff citizen who also is now serving or who has served in the Armed Forces, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for country. God bless them, Poplar Bluff, and God bless America.
Dr. Robert Brescia
Executive Director
The John Ben Shepperd
Public Leadership Institute
Odessa, Texas