On July 22nd of this year I was privileged to attend the full dress burial of Admiral Jeremiah Denton, Jr. at the Arlington National Cemetery. It was an impressive ceremony befitting a true American hero. I would like to share a short video which I believe will capture the solemnity of that ceremony.
Admiral Denton was a devout Christian and an American Patriot. He was also a friend of the Law Center and the President of the Law Center’s Citizens Advisory Board.
An excerpt from a recent book, Defiant by Alvin Townley, describes the courage of this true American Hero:
“Over the growing ruckus, Shu heard Jerry Denton roar: ‘You are Americans! Keep your heads up!’ His command spread through the columns and heads snapped back up. Rifle butts descended on those who refused to bow, but the men did their best not to submit before the citizens of Hanoi.”
Admiral Denton first came to the attention of the American public during the Vietnam War while a POW.
During an arranged propaganda video interview—despite brutal torture by his North Vietnamese captors—he refused to condemn America.
Throughout the interview, Denton blinked his eyes in Morse Code repeatedly spelling out the message “TORTURE.
He spent nearly 8 years as a POW, 4 of those in solitary confinement.
After his release in 1973, Denton continued his military service and upon retirement from the Navy, he was elected to represent Alabama in the U.S. Senate.
While he was serving in the Senate, President Reagan singled him out as a true American hero.
In honor of his memory, the Law Center would like to share with you this shortened version of his solemn burial ceremony.
You can watch the entire ceremony and Church service by clicking here.
God bless you Jerry Denton.
May your soul rest in peace.
God Bless America.