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# Letter: Korean War veteran says he has always been proud to be American
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/022708-story/
- Published: 2008-02-27T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T18:40:23.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By David Spataro Santa Monica*

I’ll get to the point and try to keep it “pithy”... as a certain TV personality is fond of saying. I’m mad, mad as hell at something I heard in the campaign wars. During the internecine struggles of political opponents, some strong, caustic language inevitably occurs... but one declaration in particular was deplorable.

The offending statement ran like this, “for the first time I’m proud to be an American.” Like what, nothing in this country’s history made this party proud? The lives given, the sacrifices, the aid, WW II, contributions and help all over the world... nothing meant anything?

Well, I’ve been around longer than I care to remember, going all the way back to the Korean War as a soldier, and I want to categorically say that I’ve always been proud to be an American. When I think of all the things the U.S. has done for this world and continues to do, I breathe a silent prayer of thanks to be here... a humble member of the team. There must be a reason why so many people are trying to come here.

How sad to find that there are those who, after being the recipient of this country’s largesse, and who having prospered under it’s sheltering aegis just discover for the “first time that they’re proud to be an American.” All I can say is, give me a break!

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 27, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/022708.pdf?ref=smdp.com)