Dan Rather concluded Tuesday’s CBS Evening News by choking up as he delivered a tribute to the U.S. servicemen killed in Afghanistan. Pausing between some of his words as he tried to re-gain his composure, after listing the name, rank and family status of all those killed in action, Rather related: “They were some of America’s best. They gave this country everything. We close our broadcast tonight thinking of them and of their valor.”
How much of whatever Rather does on the air is an act and how much is genuine is always up for debate, but in this instance his moving words appeared sincere and, of the ABC, CBS and NBC evening shows, only the CBS Evening News named those who died in action.
Rather ended the March 5 CBS Evening News, as taken down by the MRC’s Brad Wilmouth, over pictures of each fallen member of the Army, Navy or Air Force:
The U.S. death toll in the war against terrorists stands now at 30, including seven who died in operation Anaconda and joined the ranks of America’s fallen heroes. Sergeant Bradley Crose, an avid reader, loved motorcycles, always wanted to be an Army Ranger. His father says Crose was “the most precious thing I could give my country.” Army Specialist Marc Anderson, it was his dream too to be an Army Ranger as his father was. Before that, Anderson was a teacher. He wanted to help kids. Army Sergeant Philip Svitak told his mother, “The terrorists have to be stopped. If anything happens to me, I’m proud to die for my country.” Svitak leaves a wife and two young sons. Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, his mother says he loved his job, loved his country. “He was a good kid,” she said. Cunningham leaves a wife and two daughters. Navy Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts went into the service right after high school. He is survived by a wife and an 18-month-old son. Air Force Technical Sergeant John Chapman received two commendation medals. His sister says the family knew he was risking his life. Chapman had a wife and two daughters. A former teacher said Army Private First Class Matthew Commons was a solid kid who loved his country. “Matt,” she said, “is a good example of what’s right about America.”
They were some of America’s best. They gave this country everything. We close our broadcast tonight thinking of them and of their valor. Dan Rather reporting for the CBS Evening News. Good night.
(This update courtesy of the Media Research Center.)
