The American empire was built on the backs of slaves (and the genocide of the First Settlers).

That's not woke at all to say. It's just historical fact. No amount of anti-woke BS can change that. If anybody owns this country, it's the great Black folks who have begun the process of so graciously lifting themselves up out of their appointed past.

If I was a drinker, I'd drink some cognac to that, and, not just the formal veterans of America's wars, but to the informal warriors who have emerged to provide so many cool layers to American culture and life.

Thank you for your service.