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American Heritage

Memorial Day is defined as, “a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, traditionally observed on May 30 but now officially observed on the last Monday in May.”

Today, we remember those who have given their lives in service to this country, the United States of America. People will get together and have barbeques, bonfires at the beach and swim in their pools, but how many will think about the sacrifice of the men and women who have served this country.

As a child, I remember hearing stories of the men who have served this country, generation after generation. My Grandfather served in the Navy during World War II, in the South Pacific, while his family was quarantined—his son had polio. My Father and Uncle served in the Navy during the Korean War. My Cousin was a Navy “frogman” during the Vietnam War. In the past few years, two Cousins have served with the Marine Corps in Afghanistan and two Nephews have served in the Army in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am so proud to be an American. I am so proud to have the heritage of men who have served this country so bravely. I am so thankful they have all come home to us, when many they served with did not.

I realize, I know what Memorial Day means because I grew up with men and women who have served and sacrificed for this country. They served, the families sacrificed and we were proud to be Americans.

Parents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins; it is your responsibility to teach your children the heritage of this great country. Do not leave it to the classrooms and the teachers. Take these “holidays” and make them a time of learning; teach the youth about our American heritage. Yes, we are a nation made up of immigrants from all over the world, but we share one common heritage; the American heritage.

During this time in history, when it is more important to be politically correct than to be to be proud of our American heritage and the accomplishments and achievements of this great nation, I pray you take the time to remember those who have died serving this great nation. Because of their great sacrifice, we are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

— Staff Writer