“Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in blood of his followers and sacrifices of his friends.” — Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower Humility is a defining characteristic of America’s Greatest Generation. This was evidenced when our military forces and home front supporters heard the news that World War II was over. With no fanfare, they turned on their heels to begin their leadership role in rebuilding America and the lives of her former enemies.

The duty of a sentinel is to watch over something. Maybe “stand guard” is more like it.

Here in Naples, a unique self-organizing system of sentinels is brewing to watch over local history. These sentinels embody the essence of leadership: doing the right thing for the right reason. It doesn’t get any more right than when that reason is to honor heritage, family or community.

The U.S. Department of State estimates there are more than 2,000 open cases of international parental abductions involving 3,000 children. This trend parallels another “snatching racket” in the 1920s and ’30s that took an international hero and the death of 20-month-old child to wake Congress to what was happening right here in America.

I’m often asked what qualifies me to talk and write about history. My usual response is, “Because I’m Southern, and Southerners love their families and their family’s families.”