“Our Community Salutes”

The Board met in regular session today, primarily to approve the membership of the LDC that is tasked with selling the Manor. One other piece of business was conducted: we approved a resolution to join municipalities across New York State in proclaiming May 18, 2013, as “Our Community Salutes Day” in Otsego County. This designation honors High School graduates who have enlisted in the armed forces.


The resolution itself is full of high-flung language, asserting that they are “patriots” and speaking of “the selflessness and courage they are demonstrating in the defense of their country.”


I've spent the best part of 40 years working in the public education system and a whole lot of that time was spent working with High School students (and their families) who, for many reasons, were not going to get to go to college when they graduated. Many of these kids pursue acceptance in the military in the same way that valedictorians pursue acceptance at Harvard – and I think these kids may get the better deal. The structure, training and travel they'll experience will certainly have a substantially positive effect on their lives.


So I joined the Board in extending my “support, gratitude and best wishes,” and I do wish them all the best. And I also wish all the best to those who won't have days to honor them.


I've never quite understood our need to focus all our patriotic attention on those who serve in the military. Patriotism is more than preparing for, and fighting wars. There are millions of other Americans (including graduating High School students) who serve their country in other ways, making the country strong and resilient – a better, safer, healthier place to live. Law officers and emergency service personnel come immediately to mind. Their jobs are always as dangerous, and often more dangerous, and they serve selflessly and honorably. Teachers and nurses also serve serve their country, and have a significant effect on the lives of those Americans – young and old, sick and well – who they serve. The list can go on: people who devote their lives to service of some sort, in jobs that are hard and demanding and often thankless, and don't make them rich.


So Godspeed and God bless, to those kids heading off to the military this summer, and thank you. And also to all the others who look forward to a career in service to their country.