With our cover date reading December 7th, I would be remiss as an American if I didn’t begin my column with what occurred 81 years ago. Over the past several years, it has become most evident that our Nation must not only remember our history but learn from it. As I watch the reports regarding current events and the decision-making by elected and appointed officials, I worry nothing has been learned from America’s history. This especially applies to threats against national security.
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” ~ President Franklin D. Roosevelt
On that infamous morning in 1941, 2,335 military personnel, along with 68 civilians, lost their lives to an evil, planned sneak attack. The USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were both sunk by the Japanese; 1,177 of those who perished were from the Arizona. Hindsight is always 20/20, but as history has recorded, the attack was inevitable, and the information that could have provided warning never reached the right people. Our Country has many enemies; those that work in the name of evil will never preemptively announce their target date or terroristic plans. It is imperative our Nation has the best intelligence agencies working around the world. They must communicate with each other, and politics can never get in the way of protecting our Great Nation.
As the calendar now reads December and we celebrate the joyous holiday season, please give thought to the sacrifices the American soldiers have made past and present. It’s up to all of us to make sure they’re remembered, honored, and — along with their families — taken care of when needed.
There are many organizations that do great work for our veterans. Please, if you have it in your heart this Christmas Season, donate and support those that defend our freedom.
Together Working for the Good
If you missed it last week, Webb Weekly is again doubling up your Red Kettle donation made to The Salvation Army Williamsport. This is something that began in remembrance of Dave Sechler, to help carry on his work of a lifetime. This year’s first donation actually came in before the paper reached your mailboxes and before the kettle was set up. A sincere thank you to that gentleman; I wasn’t in the office at the time.
So, here’s a simple overview if you would like to help folks locally who need a helping hand. You can drop by my office at 280 Kane Street, Suite 2, South Williamsport, PA 17702, and make a donation in person. For your effort and generosity, there will be a Webb Weekly coffee mug filled with Christmas candy. If you would like to mail it in, use the same address, checks payable to The Salvation Army Williamsport, and somewhere on the envelope, mark it “Remembering Dave.” Webb Weekly will match up to $5,000 in donations. Last year together, we raised over $11,000.
Jaimie Hoover, a member of my Webb Weekly team, does a great job of greeting everyone as they come through the door of our office. She also takes care of making sure any checks mailed in immediately find their way into the Red Kettle. If there are any stories or conversations about Dave you would like to share with me, and I’m not here, please feel free to share them with Jaimie; she’ll pass them on.
If you would like to make a contribution to The Salvation Army in a different way, make sure you read the cover story. There have been a lot of good people that have worked very hard, decorated, and made great donations for 20 years to make the Festival of Trees happen. If you’re looking for a little nostalgia, this will probably be the last one held at the Lycoming Mall. Tip of my Santa cap to auctioneer Michael T. Roan for his efforts. I wonder how many Christmas trees he’s auctioned off over the years?
In wrapping things up this week, there are many great gifts to be found within our local small businesses. There are wonderful people at almost all to help you find just the right gift. Please get out and about, shop ‘til you drop, and have a great meal at one of our restaurants.
A smile and a kind word go a long way.
God Bless America.
