His appearance resembled that of a hippie and a biker, prior to his time in the US Marines. Joaquin Colon, who served from 1968-1971, would tell you today that little has changed. He loves our country, calling himself a “real” patriot. Decades ago, recognizing his language talents, the Marines made him a Message System Specialist at the San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot, and later at Camp Lejeune. It was his license plate, BLSUSA, short for BLESS USA, that drew my interest. With a hearty laugh, Joaquin told me he had two stories about it. A Native New Yorker, his special-ordered New York license plate with the same message had arrived at the end of August 2001. Twelve days later, Joaquin watched the first airliner strike the World Trade Center. After that, his license plate became a rallying cry. His second story resonated a bit differently. It took place three days after the bombing, as he raced down a local highway. A police officer, noting his speed of 72 in a 50 mph zone, pulled him over. There was little to consider, Joaquin quickly admitting his failing. Noting the license plate, the officer asking its meaning. Joaquin explained the plate’s original meaning, Bless the USA. But it was his second interpretation that shifted the mood. BLS had taken on a new, powerful meaning: “Bin Laden Sucks.” As Joaquin shared with me, the officer threw his license and registration back into the car, then told him to burn rubber, to “peel on out of here!” Joaquin did, leaving quickly, without a ticket. After a move to Texas, he was able to acquire the same license plate number.