http://www.televisiontunes.com/Davy_Crockett.html
Without a psychoanalysis of why I adopted the character Davy Crockett as my hero, I can surmise that it had a lot to do with the adventures of surviving in the wilderness; facing dire consequences in each episode; actualizing the survival of the fittest; confronting and commingling with Indian tribes; utilizing while protecting what nature provided for food and shelter; representing the lowly citizen to Congress; or perhaps it was Davy's final heroic act of defending to his death the sovereign territory of Texas at the "Battle of the Alamo." Any or all of those may have had impact on me but deep inside I'm sure it was the coonskin hat that had much to do with my devoted attention and patronage. As this picture on the right proves, back then I truly was a big fan of Davy Crockett.
When I sadly announced to others that my childhood hero had died, I expected some remorse or perhaps just a bit of sympathy, especially from my siblings who shared those memorable moments with me watching Davy Crockett on TV. But no, no pity on me; instead the only response I received from anyone was basically to "get over it" One even had the audacity to suggest that I "find a new hero"! Very comforting words - NOT - but perhaps words of wisdom anyway.
Could it be that another Davy Crockett personified lives today? Let's face it, Davy's shoes (moccasins to be precise) would be hard to fill in today's "civilized" world. Be that as it may, there comes to mind one who truly emulates Davy Crockett's spirit, character, and life-long accomplishments (maybe passing on the opportunity to become a national martyr)! I'm convinced that there are many special individuals that are revered by others to be modern day heroes but following in the shadow of Davy Crockett's character and lifestyle in some manner or accomplishment poses special attributes. How many modern day people do you think truly could emulate the conditions and challenges bestowed upon Davy Crockett after surviving in the wilderness; facing dire consequences in each episode of one's life; actualizing the survival of the fittest; confronting native tribes; depending upon and preserving what nature provides for food and shelter; and representing the lowly citizen to various representations of government? Could it be that a Davy Crockett clone actually lives today amid advanced societies and computerized technologies? Stay tuned - don't touch that dial.
A new episode of Davy Crockett captures an individual who, at a relatively young age, left the security and confinements of home for the"Wild West." Searching for himself and for his true purpose in life traveled him far and wide only to realize that his calling was yet further away. Finally, he finds himself at a far, far away, remote and barren piece of land at the end of the earth confronted with the most extreme weather conditions and the bleakest of living conditions and accommodations. This was to be his home and for some weird twist of fate, he felt at home here too. Over the next four decades and still counting, this man saved a tribe's Chief and his family from slowly perishing on a fruitless slab of land; relocated the tribe with its six remaining members; built them a "city on a hill" complete with fresh water, electricity, plumbing, homes and buildings, a school, paved roads, and protection from the harshest of environments. This village grew in population to its current population of approximately 250 in a self-sustained community. Yes, as with Davy Crockett, there were bears to kill, fish and wild life to catch, storms to survive, births and deaths to contend with, and representation to the various government entities to pursue. Throughout this period this one person has held virtually every civil service and government position at the village level, and continuing today he is the villages only resource for medical and fire & rescue needs. Oh yes, he married the Chief's daughter, bore three kids and has enough grand children to start his own tribe.
Now, some of you reading this by now know who this modern day Davy Crockett is, or at least you think that you know. Just hold your thoughts for a moment because there is one more critical observation to be expressed. History will eventually acknowledge the contributions that this one man has made upon a family, a tribe, a village, and perhaps an entire region of our great country. But why I consider him a hero, over and above his lifelong accomplishments, is that he accomplished what the did from the position of that of a servant. He came to serve as scripture calls us all here "...not to be served but to serve others...." (Mark 10:45).
A humble person who lives and loves to help others is the reason why my new hero is my brother Bill.
God bless you, Billy!
Point Lay, Alaska, is home for Billy and his family. To appreciate the remoteness of Pt. Lay and some of the unique challenges life presents there, click on the following links:
