Walter Cronkite - A Legend

I am not a very religious person nor am I very knowledgeable about news broadcasters. However, in watching short snippets of Walter CronkiteWalter Cronkite's funeral service this afternoon, I couldn't help but be moved by anecdotes delivered by some colleagues, friends and family. They were touching and also humorous.

I was most impressed, however, by a special 60 Minutes show that aired last Sunday, July 19th. The history of this show has brought us some amazing stories and events. It was actually, as I learned from reading a Walter Cronkite article in the Miami Herald local newspaper, a show originated by Mr. Cronkite himself if I'm not mistaken. Last Sunday's segment had short interviews with diverse personalities that all described Walter Cronkite the person and the journalist. The show was interspersed with film footage that showed him involved in many "history in the making" events such as when he was reporting President John KennedyJohn Kennedy's assassination, the Apollo landing on the moon, Dr. Martin Luther KingMartin Luther King's assassination, the Vietnam war and the list seemed endless.

I grew up knowing of Walter although I was not the avid news viewer I am today which is why I watched the show in amazement and admiration. Why? Its' not only for the incredible accomplishments, or the fact that Mr. Cronkite had very little training for what ended up being his calling. It is because in a time when respect, morals, dignity, integrity and honesty have taken a back seat to all things listed above, it is comforting, humbling and downright awesome to have grown up when such a man forged the path for others to follow and it is such a path of greatness. I have a particular preference for Good Morning America because not only is it a cohesive and diverse news team, they bring forth some of the wonderful stories that Mr. Cronkite would have taken under his wing. Stories around the country and the world of great human beings doing the right thing - reaching out and breaking down the walls.

It is sad that Walter Cronkite no longer inhabits the earth as he did, filling our hearts with assurance that all will be well. But what a legacy he has left. What a role model he has been to not only those that would follow in his footsteps, but those of us who admire the qualities that made him what he was - simply a great human being. He will be missed.