US

‘Unbelievable’: Bar Behind Viral St. Patrick’s Day Guinness for Fallen Navy SEAL Talks to The Blaze

There‘s an extraordinary Facebook post that’s gone viral that shows a pint of Guinness on a bar beside an American flag and a “reserved” sign for a fallen Navy SEAL.

Lt. Michael Murphy was killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2005 after leading a four-man SEAL team on a reconnaissance mission, according to a Navy report. After coming under fire from approximately 50 insurgents, Murphy knowingly exposed himself to enemy fire so he could transmit a signal requesting immediate assistance for his team. Murphy and two of the other SEALs died in the firefight, though the fourth member, Marcus Luttrell, survived. For his actions, Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Here’s the photo, posted by Jeff Beaurline to the Facebook group “Seal of Honor” on St. Patrick’s Day. Beaurline’s description of the photo follows.

Lt. Michael Murphy Guinness

Image source: Facebook

As promised… I just walked into a local pub (PUB 25, Newtown, CT) and asked to speak with the Owner/Manager. I asked if I could leave a cold one on the bar for Michael all day . I showed him the “Reserved” sign I made and explained I wanted to leave him sufficient funds to buy a random person a Guinness every hour today, and that when the surprised patron asks him “Who is this from?” he should reply: “It’s from LT Michael P. Murphy.” and point to the reserved sign. The Owner/Manager was so in tune with this small gesture, he refused my money, introduced me to two men working in the PUB who just returned home from Afghanistan and Iraq with the ASSURANCE that my request on Michael’s behalf would be honored. God Bless America!

See Beaurline’s original post here.

Phyllis Gavin, a manager at Pub25 American Grille, confirmed to The Blaze the photo and its description are indeed real. They still have the display up, and Gavin said she’s fielded phone calls from all over the country inquiring about it. Pub25 continues to give away pints of Guinness in Murphy’s honor.

“It’s been unbelievable,” she said.

Reaction from patrons who have received the pints of Guinness have varied, she said, from recipients being surprised and pleased to offering to pay for the drink themselves.

She said patrons have come into the pub specifically after hearing the story, and that one person even stopped in to give $20. Gavin said all donations collected will be given to the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

“It’s a simple little thing but means a lot to so many people,” she said. “Just a little bit so that we all remember.”

As of Friday afternoon, the original Facebook post had been “liked” more than 19,000 times and had spread around the Internet, including on the website BuzzFeed and on Luttrell’s Facebook page.

Comments (127)

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  • RoaRock
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:49pm

    God Bless all of our service men and women. Micheal Murphy was atrue hero, what he did for his men was selfless, we owe our freedom to the Military of the United States of America.
    To the Pub, thank you. The book ‘The Lone Survivor’ by Marcus Letrell is about Lt Murphy’s seal team.

    Report Post »  
    • 000degrees
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 3:10pm

      PR Fitness has a workout named after Michael Murphy. I think about him from time to time as well as all of our brothers in arms, especially when the training miles get tough. His/their story gives me much resolve to accomplish the work out. You will never be forgotten Lt. Murphy, I thank God you were here with us to show the way. I will be running the Marine Corp Marathon this year in honor of many people, including Lt. Murphy.
      Oorah…Semper Fi

      Report Post »  
    • yougottabekidding
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 3:18pm

      Agreed

      And to OWS and many in the present administration this is something you will never understand or should be afforded the fruits of their devotion and courage.

      Report Post »  
    • cuinsong
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 4:04pm

      This is a music video tribute from my family to all those who watch over
      us and give their lives to keep us free!
      http://youtu.be/lJXb0LLkx1Y

      Report Post » cuinsong  
    • MLeo
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 4:26pm

      Ooorah.

      Report Post »  
    • kathleenlee
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 5:01pm

      It makes you wonder how such tribute, such honor..exists. It also makes you wonder about this nations elected officials who wouldn’t sacrifice even a word to help stop the destruction of what this brave soul gave his life for. This is an American, This is America a Republic. All of our military, serving and served, and all fellow patriots, would lay their lives down in order to save America. When will the congress take a stand and stop the marxists programs of this administration..for love of our Constitution, of our Republic? Before all who have served, wounded, or died…did it for nothing!!!

      Report Post » kathleenlee  
    • USNRET04
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 5:19pm

      Damn…I hate when something gets in my eyes.

      Who else gets choked up when they hear stories like this?

      Report Post » USNRET04  
    • jlcook
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 6:22pm

      @ USNRET
      The lump in my throat, and the welling my eyes, is intense. These stories get me every time. God Bless THEM ALL.

      Report Post » jlcook  
    • Better Dead Than Red
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:47pm

      Degrees,

      It is one tough workout if we’re talking about the same workout! As all hero workouts should be. Semper fi!!

      Report Post » Better Dead Than Red  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 10:15pm

      Patriots, each and everyone of them involved in this heroic story. God bless all of our troops. We fight for right and freedom, some die so others can strive. God bless America.
      Semper Fi

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 11:48pm

      A Work Horse and not a Show Horse! Thank God for men like Michael! RIP shipmate!

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • Obamalarky
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:12pm

    Thanks Blaze, now I got a case of the eye waters….

    To all our servicemen and women, thank you for your service and the duties you perform on my behalf. I appreciate what your service affords me and will do my part as a citizen to bring this Nation to the greatness deserving of the price you and those before you have paid.

    RIP Lt. Murphy, you sir will not be forgotten.

    Report Post »  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:54pm

      OBAMALARKL
      Thank you for your thank you.
      From those who have gone befor
      And some say there is no GOD

      Keep it to yourself ,But God replaced those 72 virgins
      with 72 Sp Ops.

      DE OPPRESSO LIBER

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 4:28pm

      OBAMALARKY…you’re not the only one who got teary eyed over this one. God Bless our troops.

      Report Post »  
    • Mainer forever
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 5:16pm

      Eyes watering here too. Thank you Blaze.

      Report Post » Mainer forever  
  • Compound
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:09pm

    Here I am drinking myself to death, after both my parents passed away last year. What a smuck I am not realizing people are dying every day to protect my freedom. I have neglected my wife my 3 beautiful sons and the oportunity to be a better person because of the freedoms I have been given by so many lost soldiers. I am going to stand up and be a constructive member of society because of this story. God Bless The United States of America.

    Report Post »  
    • HowTruthHurts
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:15pm

      Good for you. God bless you as well.

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 3:01pm

      God bless you Compound and God bless your family.

      Report Post »  
    • Montereydiver
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 3:02pm

      Way to go! let hope that this story has changed the attitude and minds of more Americans towards our blessed men/women of the armed forces!

      Report Post »  
    • summersmom
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 3:40pm

      Compound……………….do it ! God love you!

      Report Post »  
    • Compound
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 4:28pm

      I’ve always had respect but tended to neglect my freedom. As for the family, I just think I need to raise my kids to know the truth about the men and women that serve this county(not elected officials), and give them more time when I need to be a parent at home and not work 60+ hours a week. My guess anyone under 40 years old that haven’t served in the armed forces really have NO idea what they do!
      Amen and God bless

      Report Post »  
    • Inlightofthings
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 6:44pm

      Compound: Here’s one that seems appropriate for you. God Bless Our Troops and God Bless America.

      “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside. If I quit, however, it lasts forever”. Lance Armstrong

      Report Post »  
    • dlmarsh
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 10:26pm

      I hope you do it compound and will pray for you. My Mom and Dad died last November and this past Jan. so I know exactly what you are going through. Although I haven’t taken the path you have and wont take it. My Mom and Dad were both Korean War vets and could have been buried at Arlington National Cemetery, but chose not to be buried there. They didn’t think they deserved it. My sister and I are the first ones in our family who aren’t Veterans but I am keenly aware of what they have gone through and go through. My key thought for you would be if your parents saw you now and your drinking and your neglect of your family would they say “I am proud of you son?” I have thought of that often over the years and recently since my parents died and have thought that many times about GOD. I feel very ashamed when I think about whether GOD would say “I am disappointed of you” and know that is what would be told to me.

      Report Post »  
    • ApostolicIlx
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 11:45pm

      It’s all good COMPOUND. L T Murphy just looking out for you bro! If you don’t mind, I’ve said a prayer for you and yours. May HIS WILL not mine, be done. AMEN.

      Report Post »  
    • 19Agroundpounder
      Posted on March 24, 2012 at 3:46pm

      I encourage you to find a group of people who know Bill W.

      Report Post »  
  • azsmitty
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:00pm

    Be there no doubt concerning the support our Military commands from the people of America. A simple gesture for a fallen Soldier in a home town tavern goes viral because people relate. This also serves notice to the political class who feel they somehow are superior to those who in truth Serve tha nation that they are not worthy to carry the boots of these honored men and women.

    Report Post »  
  • Melvin Spittle
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:00pm

    I went to see the movie Act of Valor. At the end of the movie, the roll the long list of names of all SEALs that have made the ultimate sacrifice since 9/11 and realized that they are an elite SMALL organization and that each of them know the odds yet they still made the decision to become a Navy SEAL and face those odds. I would imagine that all elite forces face similar odds (Army Spec Ops, Delta Force, etc) yet have chosen to deal with it. These are men of exceptional courage, faith, and patriotism they are second to none and I thank and salute them! I thank God that they are on our side! As I go about my daily life, I feel more secure knowing that they are on guard and ready.

    Report Post » Melvin Spittle  
    • IronSights
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:22pm

      My son and I went to see the movie as well. He deploys in August and will be attached the 300th MP’s. We sat quietly and watched as the names scrolled until done out of respect for those who gave. I was unpleasantly surprised at how many people walked out when this segment came up showing those who had fallen in the line of duty. I assume these are they same type of people who wouldn’t be willing to stand and fight for our nation if called to arms.

      And before someone says something stupid as to whether I would or not, and how can I judge, I did serve. 11 years.

      Report Post » IronSights  
    • happ77
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 3:14pm

      Ironsights
      I guess it depends on where you saw it. I saw in NC and
      not one person left. I’ll be in CT next week just a few miles
      from Newtown. Think I’ll have lunch and a Guiness.

      Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 6:11pm

      IRONSIGHTS, Where is the 300th now? I was supposed to be assigned to them back in ‘85, but the BN CDR diverted me to the 194th. They were in Kornwestheim, Germany back then just outside of Stuttgart.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • jlcook
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 6:44pm

      I don’t wanna go see this movie in a theater, I want to watch it at home with my kids and wife. Can’t wait till its out.

      Report Post » jlcook  
    • MastrSSG
      Posted on March 24, 2012 at 5:13am

      When I came home the first time from Africa in the 80′s there was no such thing as “supporting the troops” in fact in many places we didn’t dare even wear our uniform just to avoid trouble…that’s here in America. And the movies we had to deal with were jokes like Rambo, Stripes and Private Benjamin where we were made to look like nut-jobs who would never fit back into “real” society. If you were like me and were in Special Forces that was even worse, you were mocked or glorified in absurd ways that were more insulting that flattering. (I wont see this new SEAL movie mostly because I cant take anymore from Hollywood) But this story actually brought a tear to my eye and I felt good and sad all at the same time. I want to thank those who take time to honestly thank our soldiers for they’re hard work. I don‘t even know why I’m saying anything but I felt like I needed to say something…..I feel heart broken and elated at the same time. God Bless all of you who have been impacted by the blessings of freedom. I must sound like a lunatic trying to articulate my feelings especially given I am not normally an emotional person……whatever I’ll just shut up…thank you.

      Report Post » MastrSSG  
  • pandora
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:53pm

    Just for the record…a soldier is Army. A SEAL is Navy. Hooyah!

    Report Post »  
    • Psychosis
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:14pm

      just for the record a soldier is army, a marine is navy

      a seal is in a class of his own , and still considered a soldier , as they all are

      Report Post » Psychosis  
    • brads
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 10:26pm

      Hate to correct you psychosis but we are not all soldiers but we are all warriors. Soldiers are exclusively Army. Marines are Marines. Sailors/ Seals are Navy. Airmen are Air Force. We are all proud of our particular branch.
      Semper Fi!

      Report Post »  
  • BeingThere
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:37pm

    So Hussein thinks he can fundamentally change America? Ha! We patriotic Americans far outnumber him and his commies and socialists and obnoxious occupy useful idiots. Bring it on!!!

    Report Post » BeingThere  
  • loveliberty83
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:32pm

    The Golden Coral restaurtant in Bruinswick Ga has a table set uo wehen you walk in reserverse with a flag 7 a picture of a military person. Thanks all you men & women who serve our country here & abroad

    Report Post »  
  • libertytreecaretaker
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:24pm

    Great story!

    Report Post »  
  • Obama Snake Oil Co
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:22pm

    The soldier stood and faced his God Which must always come to pass…
    He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass.
    “Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you?
    Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?”
    The soldier squared his shoulders and Said,”No, Lord, I guess I ain’t…
    Because those of us who carry guns Can’t always be a saint.
    I’ve had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was tough,
    And sometimes I’ve been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough.
    But, I never took a penny That wasn’t mine to keep…
    Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep,
    And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,
    And sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept unmanly tears.
    I know I don’t deserve a place Among the people here…
    They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears.
    If you’ve a place for me here, Lord, It needn’t be so grand,
    I never expected or had too much, But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”
    There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod…
    As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God,
    “Step forward now you soldier,
    Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
    You’ve done your time in Hell.”
    Dedicated To All That Serve… God Bless America!

    -Sgt Joshua Helterbran

    Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • momrules
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:31pm

      I read that and cried. Did you write this? Beautiful.

      Report Post »  
    • pwnjr
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:57pm

      Do we have the right to reprint this it is absolutely beautiful. These men and women put themselves in harms way everyday and most don’t ask for a darn thing.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:41pm

      @Obama Snake Oil Co
      Thank you…

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 2:43pm

      Thanks to you, my screen is now all blurry…. I think I need a tissue….

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • Montereydiver
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 3:05pm

      Can I use this? After I wipe the tears from my eyes!!

      Report Post »  
    • DarthMims
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 3:18pm

      I just had to explain to my coworkers why my eyes were watery. Best post of the day.

      Report Post » DarthMims  
    • LovethisWonderfulCountry
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 5:07pm

      This is great. I have tears in my eyes. Did you write it? Can we use it?

      Report Post »  
    • Margaret Thatcher
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 5:46pm

      That is possibly the most touching thing I have ever read.

      Report Post »  
    • jlcook
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 7:01pm

      I hope you don’t mind Obama Snake oil, I just sent that as an e-mail to family, and posted on my facebook page, if you wrote that, your amazing, if you didn’t great find!

      Report Post » jlcook  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on March 24, 2012 at 12:22am

      Hey, guys, I found a webpage with the author’s name and the second verse to the poem. Obama Snake Oil, you did good posting this is the first place. :)

      http://vetstribute.com/inGODwetrust/final_inspection.htm

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • momrules
      Posted on March 24, 2012 at 1:19pm

      Thanks Biohazard23………

      Report Post »  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:14pm

    I salute LT Murphy, his fellow SEALs, the bar, and all of their supportive patrons.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • tunnelboy
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:14pm

    I will never apologize for being American.

    Report Post »  
  • garylee123
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:12pm

    Well done. God bless the REAL America.

    Report Post »  
  • Athinkerinaseaoflibs
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:11pm

    Where do I send money to his memorial fund?

    Report Post »  
  • sickofthelies
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:01pm

    If we experienced a single encounter that was life threatening it becomes our story of a life time. These Hero’s face these encounters on a an hourly and daily basis. These are God’s Angels sent with His Blessing to protect and defend us. Embrace them publicly and privately. Well Done, Pub 25.

    Report Post »  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:00pm

    someone should stop by that bar everyday and buy a beer for the men and women who are protecting us…just one beer to sit at the end of the bar..a quiet reminder that we care and respect our fallen and those who serve

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • pennsychica
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:56pm

    We should all do this across the U.S. on Memorial Day. Everyone who can do the same with the name of any soldier they may know and see what happens! THAT would be incredible.
    I am so deeply touched by this. Just the sort of story I needed to put my day into perspective. Total Class A act this was. God Bless our soldiers.

    Report Post »  
  • ICEDRAGONNITE
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:54pm

    Two thumbs up!!

    Report Post » ICEDRAGONNITE  
  • spirited
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:46pm

    ….tears

    > welled-up and running….(sigh)

    Report Post » spirited  
  • bhelmet
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:45pm

    BEAUTIFUL!!! Absolutely love it! No matter how bad it gets, it is good to know there are still good, decent people in this nation – even in CT. I wish I knew more of them, but have a feeling I will soon enough. Thumbs Up!

    Report Post » bhelmet  
  • deans340
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:35pm

    Just wanted to put a thought in for Danny Dietz, he died with ‘em too…..

    Report Post » deans340  
    • coloradolifer
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:52pm

      God bless them all. Thank you, SEALs, for keeping my grandbabies safe!

      Report Post » coloradolifer  
    • The Sergeant Major
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:16pm

      God Bless PO2 Danny Dietz and all if his teammates. Check out Danny’s statute in Littleton, Colorado. His parents Danny and Cindy are great people.

      Pray for our fallen!

      Report Post » The Sergeant Major  
    • Margaret Thatcher
      Posted on March 23, 2012 at 5:49pm

      Where is this statue? I live in CO. Thanks.

      Report Post »  
    • Toxic Pirate
      Posted on March 24, 2012 at 5:01pm

      Its in Berry park in Littleton

      Report Post » Toxic Pirate  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:32pm

    Thank you PUB 25, for showing honor. May we never forget the heavy price that has been paid.

    The only memorial in the nation I am aware of that lists all names of the fallen in America’s War on Terror: http://www.cccyc.net/pages.asp?pageid=103667

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
  • justangry
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:32pm

    If I still drank, and lived close by, that would be the only bar I’d got to.

    Report Post » justangry  
  • momrules
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:28pm

    Now that is what class and honor is all about. God bless our military and the people who love them.

    Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 12:27pm

    Kudo’s to Pub 25 and Jeff and them wanting to help honor this fallen soldier. Let this be a lesson to all those bars and pubs out there. Honoring a fallen soldier can bring you new business, even if that is not your intent and you just want to honor the fallen.

    Report Post » COFemale  
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