On the mailbox, or currently the information box, are a number of images. The Greek writing, and the red tunic Spartan warrior referred to the historically  important battle at Thermopylae Pass. At this site 300 Spartans took on a vastly superior (numerically)  Persian army, and delayed its entrance into Greece. There is no doubt that this small band of Spartan warriors, gave the remaining Greek city states time to organize, and mount an effective, and eventually successful, defense against Persia. The 300 Spartans sacrificed their lives, but likely preserved Western civilization.

In many respects their efforts remind us that one individual, can make important differences in this world for good, or sometimes for bad. The story of the 300 Spartans was certainly the source of a number of my papers throughout my school years, and is a story that has resonated throughout history.

On the upper left-hand side of the information box, is the insignia of the United States Merchant Marines. This was my father’s branch of service during World War II. Most of this time was spent aboard the Liberty Ships, and in the engine rooms.

In the upper right-hand corner of the information box is an example of an allied D-Day patch. My uncle Sam had written to Gen. Eisenhower during World War II, a letter of support and encouragement. Eisenhower, no doubt Eisenhower’s staff,responded to the 13-year-old with a nice letter and an authentic patch. The sword refers to a Crusaders sword, and among other things, the colors of the rainbow referred to the allies and their efforts.