QUANTICO, Va. – Retired Admiral and former U.S. Sen. Jeremiah Denton
had some tough words in the mess hall of the National Museum of the
Marine Corps, packed with fellow servicemen, including some who spent
time with him as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton.
In an emotional speech last night about his newly updated classic work, "When Hell Was in Session," Denton said he feared the imminent death of the United States
of America due to immorality, lack of patriotism and lack of
appreciation for the unique form of government bestowed by the
country's founders.
"When Hell Was in Session"
was first released in 1976 after Denton's return from Vietnam where he
was held as a prisoner of war for seven years and seven months – much
of that time in solitary confinement and enduring torture. The book was
re-released in 2009 – updated with Denton's recollections of what
happened upon his return to America, his election to the U.S. Senate
and the role he played with Ronald Reagan in ending the Cold War.
Denton, a devout Christian, used his time to exhort his fellow
servicemen to rally behind moral issues including bringing abortion to
an end and fighting against homosexual marriage. He also criticized the
current administration and what he sees as a lack of patriotism on the president's part.