John Wayne: An American Original

On this day, June 11th, 27 years ago (how is that possible?), John Wayne died. He was the quintessential American cowboy, soldier and patriot. In everything he did, he extolled the virtues of the greatness of America and he wasn't shy or apologetic to let people know about it. Some might consider that to be "in your face," but the Duke would probably say, "what about it, pilgrim?" He didn't care what his adversaries said or thought about him, in his movies or in life. He was John Wayne, afterall, an American and one of the good guys. Damn good! Deal with it!

I hope you visit the following websites, but one of my favorites is the last one listing the lyrics to "Why I Love Her." I get choked up just thinking about his rendition of those verses. You've gotta go there!

If you're a fan or admirer of this American Legend, you'll enjoy these links:

The American Thinker pays excellent tribute to the man many of us boomers idolized and wished to emmulate.

More biographic info on The Duke is available at The History Channel.

John Wayne - actor, patriot, man of honor is a comprehensive site you'll want to visit.

John Wayne: From a Superstar to a Legend...good stuff on the True Grit years.

If you ever heard his dissertation, America, Why I Love Her, you'll never forget it and you'll want to hear it again. Here are the lyrics.