To the editor:

The emotion of knowing who and what it meant to be an “American” is missing from the most recent of generations. That we as a nation are no longer the envy of the world is lost to these new bearers of souls. And what did it really mean to be an “American” to this soon forgotten generation? It meant that we are embodied with the knowledge that the citizens of this country were different, special even. We were victorious in WWII and had at that time the power to rule the world. And we gave it back to the people of our vanquished enemies. We were arrogant, as well, which produced the term “The Ugly American.” Our manufacturing abilities were at peak capacity. Our dollar was valued and sought by other countries. In short, we had a right to our pumped up chest and proudly held head.

Then we started to take all this for granted and the slow process of erosion crept unnoticed into the psyche of our citizenry. By the time it was finally noticed we were inhabited by a commanding percentage of the population that knew little if anything of the sacrifices that were made by their fathers and grandfathers. When something is taken for granted this is usually the outcome.

Today, we are still envied by much of the world but we are also distrusted. That feeling of being “American” is now disdained by many here now. These newer generations fail to see the value that that emotion had with its people. It is easy to give away that which one had not paid for.

Gone today is the faith and trust of our government, laws, justice system and informational media.

I am waiting for the tall shadow of a man wearing a western hat and boots to come on the scene. And what would he say?

“This sure isn’t the country I knew … pilgrim!”

The Duke says it so well.

Joseph L. Kibitlewski

Cape Coral