Michael Warren
Americans are notoriously poor at understanding our history, and what little we do know fixates on major events and figures. I’m as guilty of this as anyone. When my then 10-year-old daughter Leah and I created Patriot Week, we very intentionally determined to celebrate key patriots: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Washington, John Marshall, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and James Madison. No question that they need to be remembered and lauded. But in doing so, we must be careful not to unintentionally overlook the contributions of countless others who made possible the work of the giants – who made possible the freedoms we enjoy today.
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry’s agitation for revolution and freedom would have led to their hanging if Washington had not won the American Revolution. Washington’s bravery would have been fruitless without his courageous, underpaid and underfed ragtag army. Madison’s masterful constitutional architecture would have been but a cheap parchment without fidelity to the Constitution by the people, military, and political class. John Marshall’s jurisprudence would have been just meaningless pontifications had not other justices and elected officials supported it. Lincoln’s words and leadership would have been for naught but for the hundreds of thousands of Union casualties. King, Anthony and Stanton’s efforts required thousands of dedicated, fearless activists, religious leaders, and politicians to make their efforts successful.
At Patriot Week’s Second Annual Patrick Henry event, we were blessed to remember the life of one such hitherto unsung contributor to American liberty: James Krikor Bejian. Bejian was the recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart, and gave his last full measure of devotion for our nation.
In 1921, he was born the only son of Armenian immigrants John and Rose Bejian of Patterson, New Jersey. James joined the United States Army in February, 1940. The Japanese surprise attack on December 7, 1941 thrust Private Bejian – and eventually more than 16 million Americans – into the defense of the United States. James was assigned to the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division – commonly known as “The Big Red One” – based on its shoulder patch insignia.
With the Big Red One, James was involved in some of the fiercest and vital battles of World War II: the invasions of North Africa, Italy and Normandy. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Most know that the Purple Heart is awarded to those injured in combat. The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action in combat against an enemy of the United States.
James Krikor Bejian was killed in action in August 1944 as his unit was liberating the French town of Mayenne. He was buried at the Brittany American Cemetery in St. James, France.
Robert Kachadourian, a Patriot Week committee member, was asked by James’ only sister, nearly 90-year-old Grace Bejian Tunininga of Grand Rapids, to find a worthy home for her brother’s Silver Star and Purple Heart.
At the Patrick Henry event, Robert presented the Silver Star and Purple Heart to now 16-year-old Leah, who accepted it on behalf of Patriot Week’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We were humbled to do so.
Patriot Week renews America’s spirit by celebrating the First Principles, Founding Fathers and other patriots, vital documents and speeches, and flags that make America the greatest nation in world history. Anchored by the key dates of September 11 (the anniversary of the terrorists attacks) and September 17 (Constitution Day, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution), the schedule for each day has a separate focus. With the acceptance of Beijan’s medals, we are rededicated to recognizing all who have contributed to preserving the blessings of liberty for us. I can only hope we remain worthy of the honor.
Beijan is just one example of the heroism that has kept our nation free. One need not die on the field of battle to contribute. There are countless ways today to reinvigorate the American spirit. Participate in political campaigns; join history and civics educational efforts; volunteer for civics minded organizations; support museums and historical sites; help Patriot Week. Do not let the efforts of those who have come before us be wasted. Do something. Our freedom depends upon it.
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Judge Michael Warren is an Oakland County Circuit Court judge and co-founder, with his daughter Leah, of Patriot Week (www.patriotweek.org). He also is the author of America’s Survival Guide (www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com) and a former member of the State Board of Education.
