A tip of my Webb Weekly cap with the American Flag on the side to the greatest generation. “Yesterday, December 7th, 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

What an absolutely amazing response by the men and women of this time. It was through their efforts that the history of our great Nation was first won and
then secured for future generations.

I can only pray that when our next day of infamy occurs Americans can come together to again answer the call. As American forces are being challenged and attacked each and every day, it is my fear it may occur sooner rather than later.

Tragically, there were over 2,300 military personnel lost at Pearl Harbor. There are currently about 5,000 Military personnel and 80 to 90 aircrafts present on a modern-day United States aircraft carrier. As these are being deployed to the hotspots around the world, a single attack on a ship could instantly exceed the numbers from the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.

I only have a few columns left before the end of the year and I like to focus on all the good happening during the Christmas season. So, I will be taking a break from world events and politics. Please keep the American soldier in your thoughts and prayers, as well as their families.

A quick reminder, editor Steph has Jolly TinselFluff, Buddy GlitterDoodle, and Cookie TwinkleCheer working overtime to keep up with all the Webb Weekly Blaise Alexander Coloring Contest entrants. Please make sure you help the young ones in your life get them to our office. Steph’s gang of elves will be waiting.

That gets me to where I left off last week: we are again doubling your Red Kettle donation made to the Salvation Army Williamsport at our office. Thank you to the folks who have already dropped a donation in the Red Kettle at the front of the office. You can also mail it in if you choose to Webb Weekly, 280 Kane Street, Suite 2, South Williamsport 17702. Please just mark the envelope “Remembering Dave.” If you missed last week’s column, all the information can be found there on why we do this each year.

Jaimie Hoover, a member of my Webb Weekly team, does a great job greeting everyone as they come through the door at the Webb Weekly. She also makes sure that any checks that are mailed in immediately find their way into the Red Kettle. For anyone who brings in a donation or needs a little Christmas cheer in general, Jaimie has Webb Weekly mugs full of candy, including a candy cane for the effort. There is no truth to the rumor that she really is an elf.

If you would like to contribute to the Salvation Army in a different way, make sure you read our cover story. It is once again time for their annual Festival of Trees, which this year is being held downtown. A tip of my Santa hat to Michael T. Roan for his efforts in so many ways for the Festival of Trees. He will, again, also be handling the auctioneer duties for the event. Thank you to everyone who volunteers, contributes, and helps the Salvation Army in such a wide variety of ways. I always remind everyone that the money is used locally.

In wrapping things up this week, there are great gifts to be found within our local small business community. While you’re out and about, make the time to support local merchants. Many can be found downtown while you’re there for the Festival of Trees.

God Bless America.