Letter: America finds strength in its diverse culture

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2001 | 8:48 a.m.

Two Saturdays ago I attended the annual USC-UCLA football game in Los Angeles along with 88,500 other spectators. To begin the game the USC band played the national anthem in subdued tones. There was no singer assigned, but as the song played quietly, soft singing could be heard among the spectators who concluded with wild cheering.

During the course of the game, there was lots of cheering among the spectators for their respective teams, but the greatest and loudest cheer was reserved for the half time show when four Navy pilots and three Navy seamen were presented. This caused me to reflect on what is right with America. The patriotism exhibited at this sporting event and others have brought tears to my eyes and made me proud to be an American.

Throughout the many years of existence of our country, whenever we have been attacked or assaulted, instead of division it has brought us closer together to fight for the common good. What other countries view as our weaknesses in the diversity and mix of national heritages of our people, has actually been our strength and bond.

Each of our cultures has contributed to make us stronger as we learn to accept each other regardless of origin or political party. Yes, I am proud to be an American because of each of your strengths and weaknesses, and the wisdom to use each for the greater good of our country.

KENT RIRIE