“Micks” and “dagos” were ethnic slurs, but my father was proud to be called a mick and so am I.
The Irish and Italians built this country with their labor. They dug coal in mines to fuel our country to greatness, and built and worked the railroads that expanded commerce.
Both were maligned in the 1800s as the lowest people in the U.S. Both never expected special treatment. Both do not expect reparations for past grievances. Both do not pass ourselves off as victims.
Both raised and supported their kids to be proud Americans. Both respected the country we lived in, its flag and military people, and respected laws and law enforcement officers.
Now both are just proud and respected Americans in good standing with the community.
Howard L. McHenry
East Vandergrift