Here´s What America Means To Me

About three months ago I met a most attractive young man - a sergeant in the United States Army - just back from Korea.

 He was 23 years old, tall and husky, with clear blue eyes. In short, he was the type of lad whom people think of when they refer to the American ideal.

 The sergeant, whose name I may not reveal, had suffered a minor injury just at the time his turn of rotation had come up. Otherwise, he said, he would habe attempted to remain in Korea.

 I asked him if he really enjoyed foreign duty so much that he would rather serve in Korea than in the U.S. He said:

 "My debt to my country is so great I could never repay it even if I were on duty day and night for the rest of my life."

 When he told me his story I understood the reason for his deep feeling.

>The sergeant had a particularly rocky beginning. He was born blind and spent his childhood in an orphanage. His eyesight was restored through a skillful operation at a state-financed clinic.

>He was never adopted. But people helped him get an education and thereby built a future for himself.

 Today, he looks upon himself as the son of million of people, all of whom had his interests at heart and to whom he pays a son´s tribute. That´s why he is making a career of the Army. When I think of the word "America," I think of that story.

 Our country is peopled by individuals who are happy and sucessful because they were given the opportunity to make the most of their capabilities.

 America spells out opportunity. And let anyone who takes this blessing for granted consider life toady in the countries where it is no-existent --where the very business of staying alive is something of a challenge.

 America has been generous indeed in presenting me with opportunities. I have been able to do the kind of work I love.

 Beginning early in my career, I was given a chance to prove myself. The door to success was open then, just as it is open to newcomers today.

                                        Wonderful Family Life

At the same time, I have been able to built a wonderful family life in pleasant surroundings. I have been given the priceless opportunity, which every mother understands, of watching my daughter grow to budding maturity in safety and serenity, without want.

 And finally, I feel fortunate in having had many chances to participate with other Americans in civic activities, to do some small things toward future prevention of dread diseases, to work freely for the political figures I admire and to devote my God-given time and energy to His work in the church of my choice.

 These are the opportunities that are the essence of our country and for which Americans should be most grateful.

(Oakland Tribune, 03.28.1954)