The local news station here on Long Island just interrupted its regular programming to carry the live coverage of the presentation of the Medal of Honor to a local sailor. Lt. Michael Murphy (from Patchoque, Long Island) was killed in Afghanistan two years ago and was awarded the Medal for bravery above and beyond the call. His squad of Navy Seals (four men) was attacked by 40 insurgents and after a bitter gunfight in which they ran out of ammunition, Murphy exposed his position (on purpose) while making a call for help for his men and himself. The help never came and only one of the squad survived.

His parents accepted the Medal from President Bush in a short, but touching ceremony.