To my Children, In-laws, and Grandchildren,

June 6, 2024

On this 80th anniversary of D-Day, let me remind you of how significant this day is to your very lives. On this day, Nicholas Gray, grandfather to Mia and Mark, father to Gina Gray, landed on Omaha Beach, Easy Red Sector, in the first wave of the invasion of Normandy, which turned the tide of World War II. Of the 10 landing crafts that hit Easy Red, only 120 men out of 300 survived the beach landing, facing automatic weapons and artillery. Nick survived that day, and had he not, none of our family would exist. Nick was a patriot who believed in our country. Make his sacrifice mean something. Don’t let his sacrifice be forgotten. Teach your children well. Be patriotic and recognize that liberalism is not patriotism. Be like Nick and fight for your future American generations. Vote in this election like the future of America is at stake because it is.

I know that my friends and some of my family make fun of my patriotism, which I believe is a virtue of conservatism. Patriotism is a virtue of conservatism because it places a high value on maintaining and respecting traditions and heritage. It involves a deep respect and love for one’s country, aligning with the conservative emphasis on preserving historical and cultural continuity. Conservatives stress the importance of social cohesion and unity. Patriotism fosters a sense of belonging and common purpose among citizens, which conservatives see as essential for a stable and harmonious society. Conservatism typically advocates for the protection of national sovereignty and self-governance. Patriotism supports this by encouraging citizens to prioritize national interests and defend their country’s independence and values. Nick volunteered, as so many did, to risk his life for these principles for your sakes.

Be proud of America and remember all the sacrifices made by the generations before you to give you the opportunities you have that are unique to this country. Don’t disrespect it or try to tear it down and reinvent it. Respect the flag. Don’t hide your patriotism. Remember, especially on this anniversary of D-Day, that you owe all the good things in your life to those patriots below you on our family tree.