I just have to share my thoughts about the presidential election for this great country that I served proudly in uniform for 14 years.

No matter the political affiliation, or feelings on the many issues that separate so many people, I hope everyone will pause to be proud to have witnessed, in this lifetime, the election of an African-American to the nation’s highest office.

I am 40 years old, and after crisscrossing this country for more than 20 years, I honestly never thought I would see this happen in my lifetime. I thought the nation would have a female president before a black president.

Forty-eight years ago, the nation had similar fears when there was a Catholic on a major party ticket. I think history has proved he was a great leader during his short tenure.

I have cried tears of joy, not because a Democrat has won or because a Republican has lost, but because I feel people have taken a huge leap toward putting the racial hatred and bigotry behind us, and realizing it doesn’t matter what color a person’s skin is, or what gender – everyone is capable of great things.

During election coverage, I heard ex-Gov. Angus King share a quote:

“Rosa sat so Martin could walk,

“Martin walked so Obama could run,

“Obama is running so our children can fly!”

Let us start healing this great country.

Ron Dexter, Leeds