Editor, Times-Union: As Independence Day approaches, we take time to thank all of our military men and women for the sacrifice they have made for our country. It occurred to me that I have never said thank you to my own family members who have served. I have taken the sacrifice they have made for granted.
On my mother’s side (the Guardiolas) my tio Mario and tio Felipe served in the Army. The Espinoza family has a long record of serving in the military and take great pride in having done so. To my brothers Rudy, Balde, Ricky and Lucas, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to make our country great.
Don’t make the mistake I have made, which I truly regret. I never thanked my dad, Raul Espinoza, for his service. He loved this country. I have an early memory of dad putting up an oversized flag on our tiny lot as if to let the entire neighborhood know how proud he was to be an American. I know you are in heaven with so many, many other soldiers who have made our nation a beacon for freedom.
We haven’t forgotten, and as a legislator and a proud American, I will do all in my power to make sure our country remains strong, committed to its Constitution and principles that have made America the greatest nation in the world.
State Representative Rebecca Kubacki Syracuse, via e-mail
