From the Publisher’s Desk . . . Patriotic Memories

I write this on Wednesday, November 9, the day after a historic election. This week the political landscape changed in America as a complete outsider defeated one of the best funded, most well-established candidates in US history. But this wasn’t the first time we had the pleasure to live through a historic election. Just eight years ago, Barrack Obama became the 44th President of the United States, shattering barriers for African-Americans. If these two elections have taught us one thing, it is that anything is possible in the United States of America. But much deeper than the glam and glitter of elections, there is a group of men and women who continue to assure that you and I can go to the ballot box and cast our votes. Men and women who walk the walls so we can sleep soundly at night. Yes, it is Veterans Day and I am referring to the brave men and women of the armed forces. At a young age I developed a strong sense of patriotism and a love for America. I learned to always stand for the national anthem, and I learned to place my hand over my heart when the flag is presented. I also learned the value of a strong military and the sacrifices required to maintain a free nation. “Thank you Pop-Pop.” Pop-Pop was my maternal grandfather, and a Captain in the United States Army. He marched across Europe and helped stop Hitler’s Nazi Germany. He was a small link in a military machine that ensured a free world. While he lost many friends during those years, he also developed life-long relationships and an appreciation for hard work. I still remember looking forward to Sunday night dinners as a child. The whole family would get together and share stories about their week. But most interesting to me were the stories Pop-Pop would tell: Boot camp, Officer Candidate School, the voyage across the Atlantic, two Purple Hearts, heroism, seeing General Patton, letters from Nana, the trip home, etc. Those discussions were as much lessons in history and civics as they were quality time with the family. It was around that table that I came to know why their generation became known as the Greatest Generation. Luckily we have new generations of committed Americans who are willing to put their lives on the line for freedom. Whether it was Korea, Iraq or Afghanistan, they answered the call to serve and gave everything they had. Because of their sacrifices I can sit at my desk this morning and earn a living publishing a locally-owned independent newspaper. Thank you to all who serve this great nation, and God Bless America.