Sometimes I've asked myself if it is worth it, the time and effort that I've put into Wikipedia. There have been many times that I have felt like quitting.
Then one day while I was looking for information about the Puerto Ricans who have been listed as missing in action during the different wars, I happened to come upon the name of PFC. Humberto Acosta-Rosario whose body was never recovered during the Vietnam War and was listed as an MIA. This young man was about my age and served about the same time that I did in the Armed Forces.
I went to my room and wept quietly and as many other times I wondered why was it that I survived the war and others didn't. As a father I could only imagine the pain and suffering that Acosta-Rosario's parents must have suffered, not knowing if their son was still alive.
I told myself that I had to write about him so that the world will know about the sacrifices that people like him have made. So many young men like Acosta-Rosario have been sent to war and have died only to have their names inscribed in some monument later to be forgotten.
Then I came to terms with myself. Maybe, I didn't die in Vietnam because it was my destiny to make sure that people like Acosta-Rosario are not forgotten. I mean what is the use of living your live if you have an opportunity to make a difference and you let it go by? In Wikipedia I found the perfect outlet to reach millions of people that I am able to educate about the history of my little island and its people.
Throughout the years, Puerto Ricans and Hispanics in general have been stereotyped by the negative American press as people who are lazy and drug users who only live off the welfare system. Little or almost nothing has ever been said of their positive contributions. I realized that I could make a difference through Wikipedia by writing about the positive contributions made by Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics by reaching millions of readers worldwide. This way I am able to change the image of Puerto Rico and honor the memory of those like Acosta-Rosario.
The statements below are from people who have let me know that I am doing something right and for that I have Wikipedia to thank for.
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Tony the Marine has been identified as an Awesome Wikipedian, Love, A record of your Day will always be kept here. |