U.S. Navy Seal William Ryan Owens

U.S. NAVY SEAL WILLIAM “RYAN” OWENS –

Written by Peter Decato, Esquire

I was one of 40 million Americans who watched President Trump’s speech to the nation on Tuesday, February 28. At one point during President Trump’s speech, he singled out the late U.S. Navy Seal William “Ryan” Owens for recognition. As he spoke, the television camera moved to the balcony.

In the balcony was Carryn Owens, the widow of Ryan Owens.
U.S. Navy Seal Ryan Owens was killed in a counter-terrorism raid in Yemen last month. When he was killed, he was protecting American interests.

It must be obvious to all of us, regardless of political preference, that as Americans we owe Ryan Owens and his family (widow,
father, mother, etc.) our gratitude and our support.

As I listened to President Trump speak, I took note of his language. The President said: “Our veterans have delivered for this nation—and now we must deliver for them.” He said: “Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero – battling against terrorism and securing our
nation.” These are beautiful words and they apply fittingly to Ryan Owens. He lived and died an American warrior. I’ve met these people. They do exist and we owe much to them and to their
ilk.

At this point in President Trump’s speech, I was riveted to the television screen as it was then that I first got a glimpse of Ryan Owens’ widow. She was weeping. As she wept, she looked up as if to speak to the sky itself. I’m not real good at lip reading but I believe she was telling her late husband that she loved him and missed him. What I saw was genuine love and genuine heartache. What I saw was sorrow and grief at the loss of U.S. Navy Seal Ryan Owens.
I felt the gravity of that loss in my own living room, 700 miles or so from Washington, D.C. I had tears in my eyes.

Following President Trump’s speech, I came to learn that there were some criticizing Carryn Owens and I thought “this is crazy.” It can’t be. Criticize President Trump if you want and have a ball doing it, but criticizing Carryn Owens is over the top.

I want to exercise my first amendment rights: How can any reasonable, rational, decent human being criticize Carryn Owens for what happened during President Trump’s speech? It is amazing to me that some can stoop so low as to try to tarnish her moment and Ryan’s moment. This was an opportunity to recognize a true American hero.

We don’t have enough heroes. We need heroes like Ryan Owens. Honestly, I think there are people out there would criticize a fried
egg if given the opportunity.

I now know that a man named Dan Grillo wrote the following on his Twitter account: “Sorry, Owens’ wife, you’re not helping yourself or your husband’s memory by standing there and clapping like an idiot. Trump just used you.” What? Clapping like an idiot? How can you
say that? Carryn Owens was clapping in celebration of a life well-lived and it’s Mr. Grillo whose an idiot because he can’t recognize it.

Mr. Grillo doesn’t seem to appreciate what American soldiers do to protect his liberty or what spouses of American soldiers do when their loved ones go off to battle and risk their lives for the rest of us. If he did, he would never have detracted from what I regard as the most tender, loving tribute of a fallen warrior I have ever seen.

Mr. Grillo’s tweet borders on blind hatred. He hates President Trump so much, he extends the hatred to everyone in President Trump’s wake. Are there any limits to this hatred? It seems the answer is “no” and that is sad.

Hate the President all you want. Hate the President’s policies all you want. But don’t hate on Ryan and/or Carryn Owens. They’ve done nothing to you except protect your right to express your hatred.

Mr. Grillo: you owe Ryan Owens, Carryn Owens and every soldier who has ever worn a uniform, a sincere apology.

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