May 27, 2011
Joe De Santos, Sr.
Publisher
As we start our long Memorial Weekend, comfortably in our homes or at our places of recreation, let’s not forget why we celebrate. Let’s first honor our servicemen who are at this moment, fighting for our Country. God keep them safe and out of harms way. I would also like to honor our veterans who have fought and died for our beautiful Country. I for one, lost my first cousin during the Vietnam war. I honor you, Specialist Alfredo Jose Saenz. I also honor Fred, Alfredo’s twin brother who was a combat medic in Vietnam and safely returned to us. He received a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat. He served our Country for 28 years, retired as a Sergeant Major. For my cousin Juan who fought in Vietnam and returned to us, thank God. For my mother’s cousin, Jorge Luis who served three tours in Vietnam. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major after some 25 plus years, also decorated with the Silver Star for bravery in combat and received several other awards. For my dad, Jesus Arturo who fought during World War II, earned a Silver Star for valor, the third highest for bravery. He also was awarded a purple heart for wounds received in combat. For my uncles, Guadalupe and Baltazar (Charlie) who fought during WWII. Charlie was awarded the Purple Heart for machine gun wounds. For my uncle Juan who served in the Navy during World War II. For my uncle Claudio who served with the Merchant Marines. For my Uncle Ben who fought in Germany during World War II. For my Uncle Raul who served in the Marine Corps during World War II. For all my other cousins and kinfolk who served during peace time, like myself and my son. I would also like to honor all our veterans throughout the world who served and are currently serving our Country in combat or during peace time. I will always respect you for your service and I hope that we, as a Country will never never forget what you do and did for us. For you that have left this earth, until we meet again. For the rest of us that are still kicking, my God keep and bless us all and GOD BLESS AMERICA!