CALIFORNIA: We have rights to be here

On our recent trip this summer to Coeur d’Alene, in the parking lot at Lowes, as I was sitting in my car with California license plates a 30-something man with his partner yelled “Go Home.” My husband and I visit Idaho every couple years because all his siblings live there and have for decades. We have experienced this same sentiment on other visits as well. 

My father served 20-plus years in the Air Force. He served in two foreign wars, Korea and Vietnam. His oldest brother died in the army in Germany at the end of World War II at age 20. His two cousins age 19 and 21 died in the Korean War. My other uncles served in the army and one served in Vietnam as well. My grandfather served in the Navy. My great uncle died at Normandy. 

America is my home. My ancestors have paid the price again and again. We are the “United” States of America. Yes, I am home, whether in Idaho or California or some other state.

KIM FREY

Soquel, California