A Window into Jim Webb's Soul

By: Lowell
Published On: 6/11/2006 10:14:36 AM

Thanks to my good friend Susan for this report from Hampton Roads.  Bolding is added by me for emphasis; apologies to Susan.

As you may know, Jim was in Hampton Roads yesterday at a number of events.  It was a good day for Jim here.

There was one thing in particular yesterday that I thought I'd share with you because it had personal significance for me.  Last night in Norfolk, there was a house party for Jim and his volunteers.  There was a great turnout and everyone, including Jim and his staff, had a great time. 

What I wanted to share with you occurred as Jim was arriving at the party.  The owner of the house, Marcey Hunter, had asked a friend of hers who is a Webb supporter and a very accomplished bagpiper to pipe Jim in to the party (fitting because of his Scots-Irish ancestory).  We were all looking forward to Jim's arrival to see his response. 

As  you can guess, Jim got a really big kick out of it. He was totally surprised, smiling and laughing. Then when Jim was just a few feet away from the piper, the piper started playing the Marine Corps Hymn.  Jim faced the piper and stood at respectful attention.  I had the priviledge of standing just a few feet away and of looking into Jim's eyes while the piper played.  It was a very moving experience.  In his eyes and face was humility and love of country.  The purity of his feeling made him looked like a young recruit.  It was clear that none of the negative attacks on Jim from his opponent and his supporters have changed who he is.  His core values are still intact. 

It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul, and visible in Jim's eyes last night were the reasons he was willing to give up a terrific life and run for Senate.  It was absolutely obvious to everyone there that Jim deeply loves this country and is truly humbled by his feelings towards it.  Jim risked his life in serving his country before, and the country is in trouble. 

If the citizens of Virginia decide they want him to, he is ready to serve again.  It would have been impossible for any but the most cynically biased against him not to see the truth of all this in Jim's eyes last night.  I am so glad that I was present to witness this.  I think I will remember the moment for the rest of my life.

Wow. (wipes tear from eye)

[UPDATE:  There's an excellent report on Jim's day "at the Beach" over at the Webb for Senate blog.  Great stuff.]

Comments



Wow... (Loudoun County Dem - 6/11/2006 10:35:38 AM)
Just Wow...

Thanks for sharing this with us.



Thank you, Susan. (Kathy Gerber - 6/11/2006 10:38:13 AM)
And you, too, Lowell, so much for sharing such a meaningful experience.  You've conveyed it very well.
 


Thank you (Maura in VA - 6/11/2006 12:44:31 PM)
What a great piece of writing, Susan.  It brought tears to my eyes, too!


Response from those who were at the party last night. (Susan Mariner - 6/11/2006 12:55:25 PM)
I sent this letter to some of the people who attended the party last night.  One, a 78 year old gentleman, said his eyes filled with tears watching Jim last night. All in attendance agreed that they will never forget this.  It was a very significant moment for us all. 


A man of honor worthy of honors... (Info_Tech_Guy - 6/11/2006 1:37:11 PM)
All of our military branches and military service academies have mottos: Semper Fidelis ("Always Faithful") and "Duty Honor, Country" to name but two.

Jim Webb is the sort of person who just epitomises what is right about our country and embodies such mottoes. Jim Webb is a patriot -- the best sort of citizen our nation can produce.

Those of us who love our nation, respect our traditions and seek to uphold our Constitution and advance the cause of Justice must see Jim Webb as among the best.

After all that he has done in service to our country, Jim Webb is prepared to give the Nation more of his life as a Senator.

We should be intensely grateful and give Jim Webb our best efforts in the final days of this campaign.