Dear Editor:

I grew up as the daughter of a Marine. My father survived Iwo Jima. Part of a lost generation, he was a gentleman, a patriot and in more ways than one, he was a HERO.

Growing up with all of his stories, there was always a lesson to be learned. All of the parades, fundraisers and charity events in my childhood were too many to count. His small dusty shrine in the basement stood in memory of his service for this country in WWll. So many memories... and then there was that corner house in Brooklyn, the one with the flagpole so high that one might think a Brigadier General resided there. It was no General, just my father - Pvt. First Class.

The older I got the more complacent I became. After all, in the 60’s and 70’s peace was in war was out. How many times could I listen to the same old stories and hear the same old line " You just don’t know what life is all about little girl." He was right, I didn’t know nor did I care- so I tuned him out.

My father passed away nine years ago and with him we are losing an entire generation of "Being American". Only after his passing did I realize all that he tried so hard to instill in me- I guess I really was listening.

As Americans we are always asking each other " What are you?" meaning of course, what is your ethnic background. The reply is always the same: I’m Italian, German, Irish, Greek, Afro-American, Spanish etc.

The next time someone asks you this question tell them "I AM AN AMERICAN." By doing this you will be paying tribute to every man, woman and child who built this country, to every one of our ancestors who came here so that we would have a better life, and finally to all of the countless service men who fought, some with their lives, to protect it and keep it safe for all generations to come.

This Memorial Day, do not think of it as just another three day weekend, understand the meaning behind the day. Take your children to the parades, tell them their history. Explain to them what a great honor it is to be an American. I promise they are listening.

Susan Musto