To the Editor:
My awareness as a youngster that America was the greatest country in the world didn’t come from any social studies or civics classes in school. It came mostly from listening to returning World War II veterans who frequented the corner hangout at 20th and Mifflin streets in South Philly.
Some were Air Force vets who flew bombing missions over Germany. One was a Purple Heart recipient wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. One was a captured soldier who spent two years in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp.
I was tolerated on that corner as long as I kept my mouth shut and ran errands.
Mostly all of them volunteered. They surrendered their youth out of a sense of duty. Immigrant parents sanctioned their decision to go fight for a country that took them in from Italy.
Young people today seem to have little sense of patriotism. I hate to admit it, but I feel that schools are lacking when it comes to highlighting for them our greatness and our promise.
Even the press is falling short by not singling out the principal reason why thousands are trying to make it into America.
My pop was a wounded World War I vet who made his way to America and showed his thanks by serving in the armed forces. He imbued in me my appreciation and love for our country. I’m trying to carry on my pop’s vision of our nation with my children and grandchildren.
