Let us all, as a Midcoast community, celebrate and honor the brave patriotism of all Americans serving in our military to protect us.

We salute the FIRST American patriots, back in the 1775 Continental Army, swearing oaths to keep us "free, independent and sovereign states and declare no allegiance to George the third, king of Great Britain" and "defend the United States against King George, his heirs and successors, and his and their abettors, assistants and adherents.”

We salute all brave patriots who are and have served and sacrificed to keep us safe and honor their oaths “to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

We are grateful.

Claudia Griffiths lives in Camden