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Gene Simmons, the KISS rock star, has a reality show called "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels." Last night's episode showed his daughter, Sophie, preparing for a school paper on the military. Gene took her to Camp Pendleton so she could see the real thing close up. They took a ride in what looked like an amphibious tank and did a few hours of basic-training type exercises.
Later on in the show, he and Sophie visited a veteran's hospital. Gene told veterans he spoke to that without them, there would be no freedom in America, because they protect us. He went back to the base with a rock band and performed for the soldiers. And at different times during the episode he said (quoting from memory): "I've been all over the world, but America's the place I call home," and "I love America." The last word of the show was spoken by Gene, with heartfelt admiration and affection: "America."
It's been so long since I saw those sentiments expressed on TV that I'd forgotten it could happen. Gene and his family have done a great thing by putting this episode together. The series, which has multiple airings of each show, was seen by an average of 1.3 million viewers for just the first airing of each episode, in its first season.
#1
Though it's very well known that Gene is Jewish, you might not know that Gene was born in Haifa and is Israeli. I'm sure that this has influenced his understanding that there is no freedom without those willing to sacrifice their lives to protect it. Rock on, KISS!!!
-OC