To our Maine veterans: Your service to our country has always been appreciated by patriotic Americans. We are thankful that our country has men and women like yourselves that were able and willing to defend our freedom. To say thank you again would simply not rise to what you put on the line, in service to our country. America has remained the greatest nation on earth, in large part because of men and women like yourselves.

Today you remain good citizens. However, citizenship in the USA comes with rights and responsibilities. Patriotic Americans recognize that without sober and mature acceptance of their responsibilities, their rights can become distorted and manipulated to suit an agenda.

Veterans in Maine are not getting their voices heard at the ballot box. In fact, they are significantly underrepresented as a demographic. Your responsibilities did not stop when you were released from service. All that you fought for is on the line at every opportunity to vote, regardless of the level of the election.

We are coming to the congressional mid-term elections this year. Our country is at a crossroads in culture. Voting is part of your responsibility to our country. It certifies that you still care. It furthers what you fought for. It reinforces the integrity of our flag. It honors all that have sacrificed their life for our country. It is important that you still participate in the dreams of free people.

Your country still needs you. Get out to vote.

Donald LeFante

Cape Neddick