Honor our protectors this Fourth of July

This Fourth of July I encourage you to show honor and support to a service member, active or retired, with a generous thank-you. Send a note, an email, or even a gift card for those who have sacrificed in so many ways so that we can live freely in our country, a republic. As a great-grandchild, a daughter, a wife and a mother of military service members, I know firsthand how much has been given so we can have freedom. Courageous and humbleness are not words I use lightly, but for sure, they reflect the hearts of most service members that I know. They carry burdens that most of us cannot imagine. This also includes our Blue Line members and health care providers who daily protect, and put their lives on the line for our communities.

I also highly encourage you to exhibit kindness, thoughtfulness and general respect for each other as we go forward in this volatile time of our republic. My generation was fortunate to have teachers who came home from World War II, and used the GI Bill to restructure and enrich their lives. They could have been spreading their hate such as we’re seeing on campuses and in the streets today. Thankfully, they chose peace, respect and appreciation — in part because they saw the direct evidence of hate that came from evil — and with great courage, they countered, fought and overcame. They are our heroes. Choose the light of love, not darkness.

Pat Beatty

Vinton