I am a member of Donald Trump’s “Enemy from Within.” I am a lifelong liberal Democrat and a proud American.

I believe in our democracy and have always honored those who serve to protect us. Those like my father who was a decorated and wounded World War II veteran and came home a stranger to his wife, and my father-in-law, who at the age of 17 was a sailor on the U.S.S. Bunker Hill when two kamikazes hit it. Both young men were fighting against fascism in defense of their democracy.

I think of one cousin who was a Marine and fought in The Battle of Chosin Reservoir. I remember another cousin who was a Green Beret and came home from ‘Nam in a body bag. I think of General Kelly and his wife Karen who lost their oldest son, First Lieutenant Robert Kelly, on Nov. 9, 2010, when he stepped on a land mine while leading a platoon of Marines in Afghanistan.

I remember the late Sen. McCain’s honoring “First in, First Out” and suffering being tortured for 5 ½ years in defense of his fellow prisoners at the Hanoi Hilton. I think of other vets I knew who passed away or never came home. I am overwhelmed by emotion by those who serve, have served, have lost their lives, and those who come home damaged both physically and mentally. To be in their presence is always an honor. Because of their dedication and courage, we still have our most important right — to vote. So, every time you fill out a ballot, please think of those who made it possible.

Mike Grove

Belgrade Lakes

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