My hero: John "Doc" Bradley, one among many heroes given tribute in "Flags of our Fathers."
My hero: Ira Hayes, one among many heroes who deserved so much more.

I am so grateful to be an American, not in hubris or entitlement but in deep thankfulness. (Yet there are reasons to be proud–the dreams allowed, the ideals pursued, the education provided, freedom of religion–why else the draw?) Thanks to God who gives us such grace and the people in uniform who defend us.

In our present day what would it mean to have a scent of victory?

I should see Letters from Iwo Jima.