A true American Hero

As I’ve grown older, experiences have led me to truly believe that we in the US do live in a most uniquely wonderful nation, ripe with freedoms and rights which have been won through both peaceful and not-so-peaceful battles.

Growing up in the Viet Nam era in a solidly blue-collar, democratic voting household, I was entrenched in the anti-war movement. While I’ve changed party affiliations, as I look back, I admire even more the fortitude of my parents who, even when it was common for their political ilk to trash not only the administration but also the service men and women, never said anything but positive and glowing things about those who served in our armed forces during that conflict.

Recent events in my life have led me to participate in an event as part of my role in the American Legion, Post 130, LaBelle Florida.

Let me say here that I am not a veteran, but I hold sacred the truth that those who serve our nation in our armed forces deserve nothing less than our respect and admiration because it is through their willingness to sacrifice that we enjoy the freedoms and rights we too often take for granted.

I currently serve as the 2nd Vice Commander of the Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 130 and also as the Secretary/Sgt at Arms of the American Legion Riders, Chapter 130, both attached to American Legion Post 130, LaBelle, FL.

Our post is honored to serve as the guardian and custodian of a Medal of Honor which was presented posthumously to US Army Specialist Class 4 Nicholas Joseph Cutinha for his intrepidity and heroism on 2 March 1968.  

I am personally humbled to be participating in the ceremony commemorating this true American hero; I’ve been involved in the organization of this event which will be held on 22 November 2008 at the Ft. Denaud Cemetery in Ft. Denaud, FL with a reception to follow at the American Legion Post 130 in LaBelle, FL.

For any who are interested in reading more about this heroic and noble young man who’s life was taken in defence of his comrades and his nation, please read the text of the citation which is reprinted on page 2 of our press release.

I’ll be reading this citation at the ceremony and know that, as I have each of the over 100 times I’ve read it so far, I will not get through it smoothly.  I find myself in awe of such selfless and heroic acts and grow overly emotional which, I suppose, is not such a bad thing.

There is a wealth of information about that fateful day and the other heros and martyrs who were involved in one of the worst losses of human life to have occured during the Viet Nam era.

There are no words to truly describe how I feel about this young man…so I’ll just end here hoping that anyone in southwest Florida on 22 November 2008 will attend and join us in celebrating the memory of a true American hero.