Today, May 26, is the birthday of an American icon,
a grand star of the Silver Screen, and one of the most
popular actors of all time. John Wayne was born this
day in 1907.
The Duke, as he has long been affectionately known,
made over 150 films in his long and stories career,
most of them westerns, some war movies, a few
police/detective dramas, and some other sorts as well.
Although Wayne played many characters, they were
the amalgam of the same man --- the strong, stoic,
committed, unwavering, patriotic man who always
helps right to triumph over wrong wherever he is,
wherever he goes. A pillar of strength to rely on,
and a figure of positive morale to see one through
anything. Someone who isn't afraid of nor ashamed
of his masculinity, a man who is masculine without
being a macho caricature of a man. A stellar example
of what it means to be an American.
A man that boys could look up to. A man which other men
could emulate. A man that women could trust, count on,
and fall in love with. John Wayne also lived his life
this way, away from the movie set.
Would that there were other actors in entertainment who are
of this caliber, on the screen and off, as well as other male
celebrities. We could use more men like the Duke in all
areas of society as well.
Happy Birthday, sir. You have given us a magnificent legacy
which, with your memory, will endure the test of time.
MEM
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