The world may have largely forgotten Sgt. Rafael Peralta, but I haven't. I've vowed that year after year, as long as I have a microphone to talk into or a blog to write on, I'll tell the incredible story of this young American Marine. He understood what so few of us do -- what an awesome privilege it is to be a citizen of the United States of America. Peralta was a true American patriot, in a way many who were born here are not and will never be.
   Lt. Col. Oliver North's column on the incalculable loss this country suffered the day Peralta gave his life for his fellow Marines in Fallujah tells Peralta's story much better than I could. You'll find an excerpt and link to the column below. 

   Semper Fidelis, my hero and my countryman.

   Happy Fourth of July, Rafael. 

                                                

   ... Rafael Peralta was proud to serve his adopted country. In his parent's home, on his bedroom walls hung only three items - a copy of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and his boot camp graduation certificate. Before he set out for Fallujah, he wrote to his 14-year old brother, "be proud of me, bro...and be proud of being an American." Not only can Rafael's family be proud of him, but his fellow Marines are alive because of him. This young immigrant of 25 years, who enlisted in the Marines when he received his green card, who volunteered for the front line duty in Fallujah, had one last act of heroism in him ... Oliver North's column continues here.