Americans love extolling our heroes, but it isn’t often you actually get to meet one. Recently I was blessed to share some time with one of our nation’s most esteemed living patriots – Joseph Whitt.

Joe was aboard the U.S.S. San Francisco during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and is currently one of four remaining survivors.

Joe is truly representative of the “Greatest Generation” our country has ever produced.

As I sat across the table from Joe and his lovely wife, Judith, in a restaurant near Bethel, Ohio, where they reside, I couldn’t help but politely ask questions about his experience.

I listened intently as Joe attempted to describe the indescribable.

“I saw the Arizona blow up,” Joe said, speaking of the U.S.S. Arizona, the most heavily damaged of all the vessels in what was called “Battleship Row.” He labored to describe the chaos of that day and his fallen crew mates.

The assault, which lasted nearly two hours, claimed the lives of more than 2,400 people and destroyed nearly 20 American ships and at least 300 airplanes.

At the age of 92, Joe understandably has some difficulty recalling the intimate details of his experience. I was touched by the way Judy (some years younger) would, at times, lovingly step in to finish a portion of Joe’s story. It became particularly difficult when he shared his ghastly recollection of the sharks that rapidly infested the waters to feast upon the ensuing carnage.

We cried.

My heart swelled with love, admiration and appreciation for Joe and Judy as they painted a haunting picture of Joe’s tumultuous experience.

One might think increasing apathy from some would callous the heart of an individual who gave so freely to his country, but Joe’s humility and entrenched love for America guide his path. My heart ached for this man obviously encumbered by a horrific memory that would never, ever go away.

Joe never mentioned it, but I learned he earned 17 battle stars in World War II and has been the recipient of multiple honors throughout the years. But he’ll never receive just recompense.

Joe Whitt represents an iconic America that’s rapidly slipping away.

After talking with Joe and Judy, I have a renewed respect for those who’ve given their very best to purchase the freedoms we enjoy in this great country.

But amid this patriotic swell, I’ve also acquired a refurbished disdain for those who take this sacrifice for granted and mock our flag.

Words are darn cheap – cheaper than ever. And we’re getting loads of dung-ridden verbiage shoveled at us every day.

But the bravery of men and women like Joseph Whitt made America great.

It’s now up to us to keep it going.

God bless you, Joe and Judy.

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger, a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.