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San Marcos Rotary Club Meeting

9/23/2015

On September 23rd the San Marcos chapter of the Rotary Club is hosting us as their guest presenter! This year's president of the chapter, Fay Cliett Gillham, came across Richard Pena's book when reading an Austin American Statesman article. She reached out to the Author so that he could speak about Last Plane Out of Saigon at one of their meetings! Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self. Last Plane Out of Saigon is more than honored to present. Richard enjoys any opportunity to share the story chronicled in Last Plane Out of Saigon with individuals. If you would like Richard Pena to speak at an event, or meeting, click the Speaking Engagement link below!

Related Links:
San Marcos Rotary Club
Speaking Engagement Request Form

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Never Forget the Past: Remembering 9/11

9/11/2015

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Click photo to listen to " The Windows of the World" song

Some will recall that there was a restaurant in North Tower, called Windows on the World. It was situated on the 107th floor and showcased the fantastic view of the city below. The restaurant was established in 1976, but was destroyed years later on September 11, 2001 when North Tower collapsed. Every September, we recall the attacks on the World Trade Center. Let us take a moment now to reflect upon the American lives we lost on that tragic day.

The collapse of the Twin Towers is commonly linked to a song that came out in 1967 titled
“The Windows of the World.” There are parallels drawn between the 9/11 disaster and the song for many reasons. Most noticeably, the names of each are very similar to one another. However, that is not the only common thread between the iconic restaurant and the song. The lyrics and melody of the song have a way of capturing the feeling of heartbreak experienced on this day fourteen years ago.

The windows of the world are covered with rain
When will those black skies turn to blue?
Ev'rybody knows when boys grow into men
They start to wonder when their country will call
Let the sun shine through"

"The windows of the world are covered with rain
What is the whole world coming to?
Ev'rybody knows when men cannot be friends
Their quarrel often ends where some have to die
Let the sun shine through”

While the song is associated with the attacks of 9/11, it also has ties to another event where American lives were regrettably taken. I am of course referring to the Vietnam War. The song itself was written and released in 1967, which is considered part of the Vietnam era. It is also believed that Hal David wrote the lyrics intending to subtly convey anti-war sentiments about the Vietnam War. When looking at the lyrics above, it is apparent how they fit with the circumstances of both events. The line “quarrel often ends where some have to die” rings especially true. Nearly 3,000 people died on September 11th as did 58,220 Americans serving in the Vietnam War.

In Last Plane Out of Saigon many of Richard Pena’s entries center on the importance of never forgetting the Vietnam War and the Vets who provided their service. The same principle should be held for those lives lost from the attacks on the World Trade Center. Join us today as we honor their memory.

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College Football Season is Here

9/3/2015

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1972 Season Opener UT Longhorns vs. Miami Hurricanes

The fall college football season is upon us. Being a Longhorn alum, Richard Pena understands that special brand of spirit only a college football game can inspire. The 2015 season brings a sense of optimism with it because at this time anything is possible. No losses cloud any of our favorite teams. We know this will change. We are aware of the ups and downs that will inevitably ensue, as we celebrate victories and commiserate over defeats. But, for now, we can revel in the realm of possibility. While we cherish this, we should not forget those American soldiers overseas who wish they could be home to watch their favorite team. In a passage from our book, Last Plane Out of Saigon, Pena writes of a particularly bad outcome in the operating room in 3rd Field Hospital. The passage speaks to how fortunate we are.

An allied Cambodian was flown to the hospital on a Saturday in September. The lab summoned me to give some blood for the Cambodian. Not only did I have to give my blood, but minutes later I was assisting in the operation. The Cambodian had his left leg amputated. I stared at my own blood as it splattered all over the OR floor. My mind flashed to what my friends in Austin would be doing at that very instant. The Texas Longhorns were opening the 1972 football season that night. My friends were probably sitting in the stands between the twenty and forty-yard lines---all would have dates. It suddenly struck me that they were immune to the realities and horrors of war. Watching a football game seemed so trivial in comparison to the loss of life. How I envied them. “ - Richard Pena, excerpt This War's For Real

We encourage all to enjoy the beginning of fall and the football season. Relish in the opportunity to appreciate it in all of its innocence and glory. At the same time, remain mindful and exceptionally grateful for our soldiers. Our soldiers are not able to experience an unadulterated football season like those of us here at home.

Thank you to all who are serving and who have served. You are not forgotten.

Photo from Fanbase

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San Marcos Rotary Club Meeting

Never Forget the Past: Remembering 9/11

College Football Season is Here

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