I have only one thing to say. But I didn't say it although it is something I have oft-quoted.

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."  -Niemöller

People ask why I still claim my Jewish ancestry even though I've never been a practicing Jew.

Because people sacrificed for my family. They put their lives on the line for mine. And for that...I'll always be grateful. A part of MY family would not be here had a German not been willing to literally sacrifice his or her own life for that of my family.

Are you willing to do that for another?

"Greater love hath no man than this, but that he lay down his life for his friends."

But what about for people he doesn't even know? Because that's what they did for my family. And for countless other Jewish families.

And THAT is why I still talk about my Jewish ancestry proudly. And always will.

It's a part of me.

People in my family took our Jewish name to their grave afraid for the lives of our family should it be revealed. Because that fear never left them. Because of the type of people we saw this weekend.

But I will NOT be silenced.

I am a Christian with Jewish ancestry who grew up BaptiCatholic who found out recently that she's also 1/8th African American. I've also got a little Native American thrown in there for good measure. Because America.

I would venture to say that most of us are more alike than we realize.

He who knows not his history is doomed to repeat it.

I pray with everything in me that we know our history.