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When I hear the word “patriot,” I immediately think of the Marines who raised the flag at Mt. Suribachi in World War II or Larry Spencer, Dennis O’Dell and Chuck Graham, who were students of mine. Larry was the navigator on a plane shot down over Vietnam and was a prisoner of war for four years. Dennis O’Dell was my basketball manager, who always volunteered to take the point when on patrols and was killed. Chuck Graham was a football player and did not live to see his baby boy.

But is that what is needed before one can be called a patriot? Of course not. Anyone who loves his country is a patriot. It might be two little kids picking up rubber, tin cans or milkweed silk during World War II, the girl or boy singing the national anthem, the people who stand up and salute Old Glory as it passes by in a parade, and finally the person who puts his hand over his heart when he repeats the Pledge of Allegiance.

It’s not a Democrat or Republican, Jew or Gentile, Black, white or brown. It is only Americans who say, “I love the good old USA and will help to support it if they can and help defend it when called upon.

There is a saying in the Legion Hall that states, “Where would our country be if we didn’t have veterans?” Legion Post 56 is proud to be the club that is responsible for keeping “the flag flying high.”

On June 14, they are launching a fundraising program that will enable the Legion to continue to serve our community. If you can, please consider joining our Patriots Club.

Al Arends
Albert Lea