This is an I-Heart podcast.

And we return to our American stories.

Up next, a story from Vince Benedetto, a friend and a veteran, and founder, president,

and CEO of Bold Gold Media Group, which owns and operates radio stations throughout Pennsylvania

and New York. Today, Vince shares with us the story of who he considers to be America's

first true superhero.

Take it away, Vince.

Over the past several years, I've been invited to be the Veterans Day speaker at area public high schools and middle schools throughout northeast Pennsylvania. As a graduate of the Air Force Academy and a former Air Force Captain and OSI Special Agent, I'm frequently asked to speak at events honoring our military.

However, speaking to teenagers is an altogether different and terrifying experience.

During more typical speaking engagements, the audience are there to hear what I have to say specifically.

Speaking at a high school, well, they have to be there.

One's thoughts immediately go to how to say things differently to them in a way that will connect,

keep their attention, and hopefully illuminate something that will contribute to their lives during their

most formidable years.

In my most recent remarks, I decided to go big to challenge the very notions, whatever they may be,

of why they should even care at all about our veterans.

Proceeding my remarks, and to set the mood, I ask that a short clip from Ronald Reagan's first inaugural dress be played.

It's the part where the newly sworn in president is essentially giving his audience a tour of the Washington Mall.

He's pointing out the major monuments representing the giants from our history.

Standing here, one faces a magnificent vista.

At the end of this open mall are those shrines to the giants on whose shoulders we stand.

Directly in front of me, a monument to a monumental man, George Washington, father of our country.

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