Growing up I was not really aware of my patriotism, or lack thereof. My parents, both children of the Depression, never spent much time discussing it. I knew I was to put my cap over my heart and stand still during “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Little League games, but that is about it.

Being a child growing up in the ’60s had me witness a great deal of upheaval in our country and tension between racial, political and age groups. I was very worried about what I now know is stability at the time.