At the end of his first day of 2nd Grade, Michael came home all in a huff. This was following a one hour bus ride and a long walk up our dirt road. He was still upset. I asked him what was wrong and he said: "Mom, why do we always halfta learn English?" I was confused and asked him what he wanted to learn and he beamed and said: "I want to learn American!"

In his short life he has taught us all how to learn American, from learning to fold and honor the flag at boy scouts, raising his hand to defend and protect our nation in May of 2001, standing at final inspection at Fort Benning on 9/11, giving his life in an overturned Bradley struggling to open the hatch to save his Buds. He was determined to make a difference. We can all use to learn "American!"

MICHAEL CURTIS CARLSON