American Heritage means different things to different people. It includes stories and traditions that date back in time and are told over and over again. Sharing our heritage gives a better understanding of each other and brings communities and the nation together. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

GREENE — Greene Historical Society member Meryt Allmendinger shared what American Heritage means to her.

“Heritage…I have been asked what it means to me. It is a word that I often take for granted.

Now, when I think about all that it brings to mind, it incorporates and encompasses many things. It feels like a lot of legacies and traditions, tightly woven into a very complex piece of cloth.

We all have stories and traditions that date back in time, told and re-told. Many are shaped by experience and some are shaped by environments.

My mother, was a World War II war bride, she left England to start again in this country. Living in London, during the German Blitz, obviously, makes some memories and gives way to a few stories. Those stories will now be passed on, not just impacting my life, but those around me.

Sometimes, famine or religion will cause entire communities to move. These individuals bring their music, customs and skills with them, often into a familiar community. There are many reasons, but each has their own story that adds to another, sometimes similar story.

We must keep telling our stories; it is how we grow as a community and nation. It is part of our fabric, hence Heritage. It is how we learn about those around us.

The differences in our own heritage from another can bring us all compassion and knowledge. We are after all, on this planet together. It seems to become smaller every day.”