Over the past few weeks I have been reminded of the importance of our history and our need to remember those to participated in it.

On Aug. 26 I visited the Traveling Vietnam Wall at the Butler VA. The amazing motorcycle escort, the extensive information on all the Butler County military members who lost their lives in Vietnam, and the helpful volunteers made visiting the Wall a moving and memorable experience.

On Sept. 9 I attended the open house at the new Abie Abraham VA Clinic in Butler. Even though I am a veteran, I am thankful that all of our veterans they have a new clinic where they can be cared for. I was especially gratified for the emphasis placed on the Veterans Crisis Line.

Lastly, on Sept. 11 I attended the 16th anniversary of 9/11 in Shanksville. I continue to be indebted to the passengers and crew of Flight 93, who did what they could to prevent their airplan from crashing into another building and killing more people.

As Americans we have so much to be thankful for. Remembering history is important, but not necissarily only to relive it or rely on it. We must learn from our past, good and bad, and build on it. History cannot be erased.

Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “Only Americans can hurt America.”