"...no more fitting place..."

This morning, I was privileged to offer the opening comments for the dedication of the newly reclaimed and restored Veterans' Honor Roll. It was an honor that shall forever remain a cherished memory for me and I hope equally so for the 300 plus attendees who were witness to this historic event in recognition of our communities heroes. The text of my comments - given in tribute to those who serve - are offered here for those unable to attend:

Good Morning,

It is an honor for me to be asked to speak here today and I extend my sincere thanks to Bob Briere and the members of the Veterans’ Honor Roll Committee for the privilege of doing so. There are many who have made this day possible and I will leave it - rightfully so - to others better equipped than I to honor them with recognition. I instead, shall confine my remarks to the sanctity of what this event commemorates. Thus, On behalf of the Town of Sturbridge, I would like to thank you all for attending and extend a warm welcome to you on this very special day not only in our Town’s history, but in a much larger sense that of our nation and those who have stood guard on the wall that separates freedom from oppression, democracy from dictatorship, and hope from despair.

Senator Stephen Brewer addresses those in attendance

Today, and throughout this weekend, Americans around the globe have paused, even if only briefly, to give thought and thanks to those who have sacrificed so much in defense of our nation and the principles upon which it was founded. Here today in Sturbridge, this day memorializes those men and women whether combat deployed or otherwise who have stood guard on that wall, ever vigilant in their duty to ensure our way of life.

Some have questioned – rightfully so, as this is America, a country that honors dissent and challenge to its government - the reclamation and restoration of this Honor Roll in front of our newly restored Town Hall. When I reflect upon such, I am reminded of President John Kennedy’s inaugural speech wherein he said that “in the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the roll of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger, I do not shrink from that roll, I welcome it”, So too, the names of those engraved upon these plaques and many of the bricks upon which we now stand, welcomed their role and responsibility to defend freedom in its hour of maximum danger. The individuals whose service is reflected by way of their names upon this honor roll whether overseas deployed or stateside have stood as a force in readiness ever reminding the world of our commitment to liberty.

In recognition of their incredibly selfless service to our nation, one has to wonder just what type of government might have taken up residence within our newly restored Town Hall, were it not for those willing to defend freedom from those who would wish us ill.

Who among us can carry A Message to Garcia?

Several years ago I posted this document - authored by Elbert Hubbard in 1899. The truths in this document are as relevant today - perhaps more so - than when I first posted it in 2008. The indisputable fact about truth is that though times may change, truth remains the same forever. It is presented here again for residents to associate as they may, void of any reference by me. And so it begins with  A Message to Garcia...

In all this Cuban business there is one man stands out on the horizon of my memory like Mars at perihelion.

When war broke out between Spain and the United States, it was very necessary to communicate
quickly with the leader of the Insurgents. Garcia was somewhere in the mountain fastnesses of Cuba - no one knew where. No mail or telegraph could reach him. The President must secure his co-operation, and quickly.

What to do!

Someone said to the President, “There’s a fellow by the name of Rowan will find Garcia for you, if anybody can.”

Rowan was sent for and given a letter to be delivered to Garcia. How “the fellow by name of Rowan” took the letter, sealed it up in an oil-skin pouch, strapped it over his heart, in four days landed by night off the coast of Cuba from an open boat, disappeared into the jungle, and in three weeks came out on the other side of the island, having traversed a hostile country on foot, and having delivered his letter to Garcia, are things I have no special desire now to tell in detail. The point I wish to make is this: McKinley gave Rowan a letter to be delivered to Garcia; Rowan took the letter and did not ask, “Where is he at?”

"Nightmare Budget", Doomsday Scenarios, or a Reasoned, Rational Approach

Greetings

I write to you this evening to share some thoughts with respect to the FY13 budget and the controversy surrounding such in light of a citizens' petition to maintain level-funding for same at FY12 figures. To be clear, I offer this correspondence solely as an individual member of the Board - speaking only for myself. Equally, I wish to point out that it is not the intent of this correspondence to speak against the "level-funded" citizens' petition, though I do not support such an approach I fully respect, applaud, and welcome the discussion it is generating. It is instead, my intent to address a number of concerns that have been expressed to me with respect to any "budget nightmares" or "doomsday scenarios" that are currently, or may be presented to each of you as residents.