The recent “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” event in Milbridge has to be one of most inspiring experiences I’ve ever had.

We received an invitation to volunteer shortly before the whole project began and I had the chance to meet the gentleman who started the show about five years ago.

After volunteering in the “Braveheart” segment, serving food in the mess tent, helping direct traffic and then helping co-ordinate volunteers, I have to say I witnessed something that makes me so incredibly proud of our nation and proud to be an American.

It was something to behold, to see so many volunteering their time, skills, materials and service to help the Ray-Smith family. Hats off to everyone who joined together to make this happen. It was like an old-fashion barn raising. I even met a neighbor who doesn’t have a lot of resources herself, who drove all the way down from Bangor just to deliver some coffee and doughnuts and then rolled up her sleeves to join in the work.

People helping each other, this is what America is all about! In a time when our country is being strained by what’s happening overseas, things like this that are “positive” and “constructive” need to be celebrated. They are a reminder to all of us (including the men and women in our nation’s armed forces) why we’re put here to begin with – to love and care for each other.

Christopher Olsen

Bangor