Two uniformed El Camino College police officers, wearing prestige white gloves, stand about six feet apart.

On command, the two officers grab hold of the American flag on opposite ends, folding the flag inward while taking a step forward. As is tradition, the officers fold the flag 13 times. During each fold, a speaker reads off a famous American quote.

This custom played out during the Tribute to the Fallen early 9/11 remembrance event held in front of the Veterans Resource Center lawn on Thursday, Sept. 8.

The event’s main speaker, United States Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Charles Cook, a Vietnam veteran dressed in uniform, decorated with stripes and medals, spoke about a unified America.

During his speech, Cook brought the raw emotions felt on that September morning when a band of terrorists invaded and violated this nation.

Referencing how our nation banded together after 9/11, Cook said that when tragedy strikes, Americans are all responsible for protecting and loving this nation and the people who call it home.

He also spoke of the trying times currently facing the nation.

Cook contradicted this notion that one cannot question America’s integrity and moral standing, challenging America’s promise that “all men are created” while simultaneously basking in the rights and freedoms we so commonly take for granted.

Despite his experiences, Cook is excited about life and ready at any opportunity to share the wisdom he has gained through this sacrifice in serving this nation.

As I spoke with Cook, I told him about my last conversation with my grandfather, a veteran.

My grandfather served with the US Air Force and toured Vietnam. Days before he passed, he said, “they lied.”

The “they” in question was America itself.

My grandfather expressed his frustrations that America had sent him to fight a war that was based on a lie.

Although sympathetic, Cook held firm that though flawed, America is still home, and our duty to treat it as such.

Listening and speaking with Cook made me proud to be an American.

As we parted ways, I told Cook of my strained relationship with my father. He looked me right in the eyes and said, “fix it.”

Meanwhile, Paul Rosales, El Camino’s Digital Media & Communications Coordinator, shared stories of life and death, the hypocrisies that hold America together, and the need for honest, objective journalism.

Rosales and I agreed that problems arise when journalists attempt to alter the story.

The story of America is not a pretty one. Whole populations were sacrificed to breed, feed, and grow this nation we call home today. We cannot ignore this history.

Events like these remind me why we must fight to stay united even in these trying times.

Despite the somber affair, talking with Cook and Rosales left me hopeful.

And if America is broken, as I suggested the relationship between my father and I may be, then it is up to me, you, and the rest of America to do one thing: “fix it.”