Feb 4, 2016 2 min read

America, named from the Italian mapmaker Amerigo Vespucci, is the land of the free and the diverse.

Let’s take time and take a personal inventory: Almost all of us can recall a mother, uncle or grandfather who came from the old country. These folks helped build America, from coal mines, steel mills and small businesses, and they all contributed to the wealth, prosperity and strength of America. When they spoke in their mother tongue, many people made fun of them. But their sons and daughters could speak English, along with their parents’ language, and were respected and admired by their peers.

My father was an immigrant. He attended school board meetings, voted in every election, proudly displayed Old Glory in our front yard, established his own small business and could speak and write in English. I am very proud of his achievements and very proud to be the son of an immigrant.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t protect our country and not monitor our borders. Nor am I saying we should let everyone in. I believe we must have a process that will protect our country and ensure the rights of all.

Vincent Naccarato

Canonsburg