Across America
Posted: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 9:24 AM by Daily Nightly Editor
This marks the second installment of 'Across America,' a segment highlighting outstanding local coverage from NBC affiliates. For Brian's take on the evolution of 'Across America,' click here.
To watch this report, click here.
by Bob Redell, KNTV
My assistant news director posed an interesting hypothetical: If you could give anyone a digital camera and have him or her take pictures, who would it be? My daughter first came to mind. I’d love to know what in the world she's doing when I'm not around. Then again, maybe not.
Oddly enough, the other person I thought of was the caretaker at the Golden Gate National Cemetery that’s right off I-280 just south of San Francisco. We drive past this cemetery almost every day on our way to and from stories. You can’t miss the thousands and thousands of white headstones that blanket the hills just off the roadway. It is really awe-inspiring. The cemetery reminds me of Arlington and yet I had heard so little about this place I pass by so often.
So, we showed up at the front door with our proposal for the story. Honestly, I didn’t think they were going to bite (citing privacy issues, etc.) Thank goodness I was wrong. The cemetery hooked us up with Gabe Pelesasa. He's one of the lead caretakers and was more than willing to take snapshots of what his life is like there on the grounds.
I think I'd get depressed working at a cemetery all day. And Gabe admits that yes, he does sometimes. But like all the caretakers who work there, Gabe is a veteran. And as a vet, this isn't just a job. Gabe believes he's taking care of family.
Gabe got me thinking about what I've done for this country. I pay taxes and follow the law (most of the time). But other than that, I haven’t done much. That’s a shame. And because of that, I do admire people like Gabe and other vets who have served so selflessly.
