Gene & Shannon Simmons Charities
I have to admit, I'm a reality-show junkie. And Gene Simmons Family Jewels is one of my
favorites.
I especially liked Season 6. Gene & Shannon go back to
Gene's home country of Israel to meet his long-lost half siblings.
Gene makes a point of saying in one of the episodes that he loves
Israel, his birth country. And he loves the US, as it gave him & his
mother the life they have now.
This is the epitome of patriotism. Recognizing and dedicating
yourself to the country you came from, and honoring the country you
immigrated to.
Gene & Shannon regularly visit US military troops, giving
them recognition and support with free concerts and one-on-one
conversation. This is well documented throughout the A&E reality show.
The awareness through media coverage Gene & Shannon bring for this
cause is invaluable. It's a great reminder for all Americans (and
especially many American celebrities who tend to ignore the US and its
needs) that we need to first honor and give back to the country (or
countries) that gives us our lives... and then help the others.
This is a repost of
an article printed on The
Clicker on Today website,July 4, 2011.
Exclusive clip: Gene Simmons thanks U.S. troops
By Anna Chan
Gene Simmons is in the mood to share again.
The Kiss bassist recently revealed the troubled state of his relationship on "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," and visited half-siblings in Israel he never knew he had.
But this time, it's not his family that he wants to share with fans and viewers, but his love for the U.S. of A. On Tuesday's episode of the reality show, titled "The Demon Salutes," the rocker and longtime love Shannon Tweed chat with his therapist about his feelings for the United States.
Tweed told Dr. Ann Wexler, "He feels emotion for his country because his country saved his mother."
"From the concentration camps of Germany," Simmons explained. "I owe America everything."
The Kiss rocker talks about why he loves the U.S. and visits troops stationed at Fort Hood in Texas on the upcoming episode of "Family Jewels."
To honor the country, the pair traveled to Dallas to attend the Aces & Angels "Salute to the Troops" charity event to thank the troops for all that they do.
"No matter what sacrifices we make, no matter how hard we work, it's dwarfed by the amount of sacrifice and dedication and loyalty that our troops have," Simmons said.
Simmons and Tweed also paid a visit to the troops stationed at Fort Hood, where they got some training and gave those deploying a send-off.
Watch it all happen when "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" airs on July 5 at 10:30 p.m. on A&E.
