Greg Cergol, Long Island Reporter
Ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
We see it all the time in the news business. And we saw it again this week at the White House.
Dan and Maureen Murphy stood atop a platform in the East Room – the president at the their side, the vice president seated in front of them. They were surrounded by a room filled with dignitaries- members of Congress, heroes from wars past, judges, firefighters and of course a throng of television and newspaper photographers, recording their every word, their every movement.
The couple had left their quiet life in Patchogue to honor the son they lost in June 2005. Navy Lt. Michael Murphy was killed in the mountains of Afghanistan and for the heroism he displayed that day, his parents were receiving the Medal of Honor.
It was obvious from their words and facial expressions that this wasn’t easy. Yes, they were proud of their son and honored to have his name added to the list of those handed the nation’s highest military award. But there was no escaping the fact that Michael was gone – a 29-year-old with his whole life ahead of him; an “All-American” boy – bright, passionate; a big brother to John; a true leader of men. To describe it all as bittersweet, as Mr. Murphy did, is an understatement.
Ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
The spotlight, whenever it shines on you, can be harsh and unforgiving. Just ask the myriad of “celebrities” who have wilted under its glare. Frank Sinatra once said, “You want the fame, baby, but you pay a price.” The Murphy family, obviously, didn’t ask for notoriety, didn’t want it in any way, shape or form. They didn’t have press agents to prepare them or public relations people to run interference for them. They stood alone before the media and the nation and handled the most difficult of experiences with grace and class. They even answered questions about the unpopular war that claimed their son in a straightforward manner, with unflinching honesty.
I found myself wondering why more of us can’t handle difficult situations like the Murphy family. With all that they have faced, there was much reason for anger, frustration and loud voices raised in angry indignation. But they pointed us toward a different path – a far less contentious one – filled with honest debate rather than unyielding pontificating. Their son would have been proud.
TINY Blog 