For at least 15 years, I have played the History Channel’s tribute to Charles Norman Shay, a Penobscot Indian from the great state of Maine, on D-Day and Veterans’ Day and many other days throughout the year.  Although I never had the privilege to meet Mr. Shay, I have always admired him.

He defines the best of our nation.  I believe he should be taught about in Maine schools.

As he states in the History Channel piece below, his Mother was not happy he went into the military because, at the time, the Penobscot Indians did not have the right to vote.  Yet, he went, to defend our way of life, our freedom and to honor his duty as he saw it.

Mr. Shay passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.  He was 101 years old.  He epitomized the idea of sacrifice above self.

I hope you will watch the video below, a little over three minutes, and learn about the life of this great American patriot.