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On May 23, 2006, for the second year in a row, I joined many of my colleagues from our Texas Congressional Delegation at a barbeque hosted by the Houston Astros and the USO for injured soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Hospital. The team held a similar event at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. I cannot speak highly enough of the Astros’ players, managers, staff, and the owner Drayton McLane for taking time to visit the wounded troops.
Until the Astros hosted the event last year, no other Major League teams had done such an event, and while many players have visited since last years’ barbeque, the Astros are the only team to visit the troops as a group. It was remarkable to see players interacting with the troops -- many of whom are close in age -- and each taking away something valuable from the experience.
The troops at Walter Reed and Bethesda are among the most seriously wounded, many being injured by improvised explosive devices, rocket propelled grenades, and other battlefield hazards. Many are confined to beds, wheel chairs, or rehabilitation facilities, and the opportunity to be outside having lunch with Major League Baseball players was a tremendous morale boost. The Astros’ organization provided hats, and players autographed items and took photos with the troops, but most importantly, they spent time talking with the injured soldiers.
After last years visit, Astros’ players commented in several newspaper columns on the optimism of the wounded soldiers and the perspective visiting with the soldiers gave them. Mr. McLane said it was the most moving experience in his 12 years of owning the team.
With Memorial Day weekend approaching, I think it is important that we all realize what a sacrifice the men and women of our Armed Forces make each and every day. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”
The men and women of our military endure a tremendous burden so that we may enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. It was an honor to join the Astros’ organization at Walter Reed and it reminded each person there that war has a price. Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died while defending our Nation and its values. While we should honor these heroes every day for the sacrifices they have made for our Nation, it is especially important that we do so on Memorial Day.
To use an appropriate metaphor, the Astros’ stepped up to the plate for our injured troops at Walter Reed and Bethesda. On this Memorial Day, let’s follow their example. Please keep our troops and their families in your prayers, and remember the sacrifices so many have made to defend our great Nation.
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