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This month's photo collage has very special meaning
for me. The plane was built in 1876 by Stanley, to commemorate the 100th.
anniversary of the founding of the United States.
A few days ago, in January 2004, I was honored to become a United States
citizen. I'm originally from Ireland, although my wife and two sons
are all American-born. The Naturalization ceremony in our Federal Court
House was the most moving couple of hours I can ever remember. The presiding
judge, the Honorable William F. Downes, invited speakers from several
patriotic organizations to attend, and the Pledge of Allegiance was
recited by first graders from one of our local elementary schools. Two
of the children had fathers overseas, serving in the Middle East.
Among the attendees were a Vet who had earned five Purple Hearts in
Viet Nam, and another who was a survivor of the Bataan March. Judge
Downes served in Viet Nam, too.
Becoming a citizen was a wonderful and intoxicating experience. But
being in the presence of these incredible Vets was definitely the most
emotional part of the day. One of the speakers, Stan Lowe from the VFW,
spoke so eloquently of the value of American citizenship that most of
the audience was moved to tears. He ended by asking us to do a very
simple thing. The next time we come across a Vet, he would like us to
lean over and say a quiet "Thank you". Personally, I think
we should shout it off the rooftops.
So, for all you Vets out there, on behalf of this newest
American and his family, I'd like to say that "thank you".
If it wasn't for you, and the 228 years of unbelievable selflessness
and courage which you and men like you have shown, there wouldn't be
a United States for me to swear Allegience to.
If you're an old tool enthusiast, just copy and paste
the image to your desktop.
Thanks,
John
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