Monday, April 03, 2006
The Patriotic Immigrant
NOTE on April 5: I just sent the body of this blog to the principal of Shaw Middle School in Colorado hoping that it might change her mind about the banning of patriotic clothing.
He was born in Italy in March of 1925 and died in California in March of 2006. The eulogists described his model life - a model for Catholics and Americans whether they are immigrants or not.
At the age of 17 he followed in the footsteps of his older brothers and joined the United States Army to fight for his country - the United States of America.
He fought in the Third Army, starting in Africa with Patton and moving across the northern part of the continent, eventually working his way to Italy, Anzio, and eventually Rome. Given his Italian roots, he was often used as an advanced scout sneaking back and forth over enemy lines. He and his unit moved into southern Germany and was one of the first to reach the concentration camps. He was part of the unit that captured Hitler's private mountain estate.
Along the way, he received a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and one Silver Star along with seemingly countless other medals and honors making him the third most decorated soldier in World War II.
May God bless you and keep you, Art Gabriel, and may your life as a patriot, husband, father, grandfather, friend and a Roman Catholic be a shining example to all Americans and to those who want to live here.
He was born in Italy in March of 1925 and died in California in March of 2006. The eulogists described his model life - a model for Catholics and Americans whether they are immigrants or not.
At the age of 17 he followed in the footsteps of his older brothers and joined the United States Army to fight for his country - the United States of America.
He fought in the Third Army, starting in Africa with Patton and moving across the northern part of the continent, eventually working his way to Italy, Anzio, and eventually Rome. Given his Italian roots, he was often used as an advanced scout sneaking back and forth over enemy lines. He and his unit moved into southern Germany and was one of the first to reach the concentration camps. He was part of the unit that captured Hitler's private mountain estate.
Along the way, he received a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and one Silver Star along with seemingly countless other medals and honors making him the third most decorated soldier in World War II.
May God bless you and keep you, Art Gabriel, and may your life as a patriot, husband, father, grandfather, friend and a Roman Catholic be a shining example to all Americans and to those who want to live here.
